to only apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to only apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to signify that a certain action, rule, or process should be the only one to be used or followed, for example: "The instruction seemed straightforward, however, the customer insisted that it should apply to only their business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This data appears to only apply to the US, however.

The Guardian - Tech

It makes sense therefore to only apply to firms you genuinely want to work for and know inside out.

The Guardian

Even more worrying is the fact Flood Re is likely to only apply to the 1-2% of properties most at risk of flooding: climate change and increased risk of flooding nationwide means far more people are now vulnerable.

The Guardian

He said some issues that appeared to only apply to England actually had "massive knock-on effects" on Scottish constituencies with "direct consequences" and blocking Scottish MPs from representing their views would be undemocratic.

Independent

Another possibility would be to only apply LP to one of either the magnitude or the phase parameters.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

It delays SPC implementation because the measures should be firstly corrected and then to only apply SPC techniques.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Poland in particular insists that these new rules can only apply to new cases and should only apply to Britain.

The Guardian

That does not only apply to Diallo.

The New Yorker

The rules only apply to everyone else.

The New York Times

The scheme would only apply to Syrians.

The Guardian

The new wage will only apply to new contracts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to only apply", ensure the context clearly defines what the restriction is. Vague restrictions can lead to misinterpretations. For instance, specify which conditions or scenarios the application is limited to.

Common error

Avoid using "to only apply" without explicitly stating what the restriction entails. For example, instead of saying "This rule should to only apply", specify, "This rule should to only apply to new employees hired after 2024".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to only apply" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically acts as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope or condition under which an action or rule is valid. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

28%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to only apply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a specific restriction or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it is found across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and wikis. It's crucial to define the scope of this restriction clearly to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "to exclusively apply" or "to solely apply" can be used to add variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exclusively apply

Replaces "only" with "exclusively", emphasizing the singular nature of the application.

to solely apply

Uses "solely" to reinforce that something applies and nothing else does.

to strictly apply

Emphasizes a rigid and unwavering application.

to specifically apply

Highlights a targeted application to particular cases.

to uniquely apply

Suggests the application is restricted to one distinct instance.

to singularly apply

Indicates a focus on one application, possibly contrasting it with others.

to just apply

Uses "just" to convey a sense of limiting the application.

to merely apply

Emphasizes that it's only about applying, nothing more is implied.

to confine application to

Signifies a limiting of the action of 'application'.

to limit application to

Clearly states the application is confined to certain parameters.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to only apply" for variety?

You can replace "to only apply" with phrases like "to exclusively apply", "to solely apply", or "to specifically apply" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "to only apply" in a sentence?

Yes, "to only apply" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it is commonly used in various contexts to indicate a restricted application of something.

What does "to only apply" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "to only apply" suggests that a law, regulation, or principle is specifically limited in its scope and does not extend beyond the defined parameters. For example, "This clause is to only apply in cases of gross negligence".

What's the difference between "to only apply" and "to generally apply"?

"To only apply" indicates a restriction to specific situations, while "to generally apply" indicates a widespread or common application. They are essentially opposites in meaning.