to be applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

'to be applicable' is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
You can use it in formal and informal contexts. It generally means to be relevant or suitable in a given situation. For example: The rules of the office must be applicable to all employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those charges turned out not to be applicable in Alabama.

The New York Times - Books

Both formulations are shown to be applicable.

Journal of Computational Physics

It is considered only to be applicable in special situations.

Electrochimica Acta

Yet I do not consider them to be applicable in this instance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dispersion model was modified to be applicable for helical tubes.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Hence, PCOP is expected to be applicable to hydrogen storage.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

It was supposed to be applicable with already existing geodata.

Ecological Indicators

Experimentation has shown this value to be applicable for seabed roughness, road surface and sand/gravel29.

Nature

We want a secular law underpinned by human rights values to be applicable to all, without exception.

The Guardian - Opinion

The lessons are going to be applicable to the rest of the world".

The New York Times

"Everything his lab has developed is going to be applicable in the clinics," said Borthakur.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be applicable", ensure that the subject it modifies is clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity. For example: "These rules are to be applicable to all employees."

Common error

Avoid assuming universal applicability without proper justification. Clearly define the boundaries and conditions under which something is "to be applicable" to prevent misinterpretations and unintended consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be applicable" functions as an infinitive phrase, often modifying nouns or clauses to indicate relevance, suitability, or a potential for use. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its role in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be applicable" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to denote relevance, suitability, or potential use. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed in various contexts, particularly in scientific, academic, and news-related domains. While alternatives like "to be relevant" or "to be suitable" exist, understanding its specific nuance is crucial for precise communication. Remember to clearly define the subject and scope of applicability to avoid ambiguity. The AI confirms the phrase's correctness, reinforcing its reliability in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be relevant

Focuses on the direct connection or importance of something in a given situation.

to be pertinent

Emphasizes the direct relevance and significance of something to a specific matter.

to be suitable

Highlights the appropriateness and fitness of something for a particular purpose or situation.

to be appropriate

Stresses the correctness and suitability of something in a specific context.

to be fitting

Suggests that something aligns well or is harmonious with a particular situation.

to be valid

Indicates that something is well-founded, justifiable, or legitimate in a given context.

to be effective

Focuses on the capacity of something to produce a desired result or outcome.

to be usable

Highlights the practicality and ease with which something can be employed or implemented.

to be practical

Emphasizes the feasibility and utility of something in real-world applications.

to be viable

Suggests that something is capable of succeeding or functioning effectively under given conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "to be applicable" in a sentence?

You can use "to be applicable" to indicate that something is relevant or suitable in a particular situation. For example, "These guidelines are "to be applicable" to all departments."

What are some alternatives to "to be applicable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be relevant", "to be suitable", or "to be appropriate".

Is it correct to say "is applicable to" or "to be applicable"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Is applicable to" describes a current state, while "to be applicable" describes a future or potential state.

What's the difference between "to be applicable" and "to be applied"?

"To be applicable" means something is relevant or suitable, while "to be applied" means something is actively put into use or practice. Applicability precedes application.