universally applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

"universally applicable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is true, useful, or relevant in all situations and applies to everyone. For example, "The Golden Rule is a maxim that is universally applicable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The UN wants the SDGs to be universally applicable.

The Guardian

The Bush administration did not originate the conviction that American freedom is universally applicable.

The New York Times

I am not at all sure these designs are going to be universally applicable.

The Guardian

We may also need to accept that treatments for mental disorder are not universally applicable.

The Guardian

These are so oblique that they are universally applicable: anyone could find meaning in them.

The Guardian - Music

The lead narrator Andy's moaning also began to seem less superficial and more universally applicable.

The Guardian - Books

It was a universally applicable technique that deepened the interpretation of any song in any setting.

The New York Times - Books

There is no perfect solution, one that is reasonably objective, universally applicable and universally satisfying.

The New York Times - Sports

The universally applicable truth of these new religions was expressed in sacred writings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This means that they differ from the natural law in not being universally applicable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Dr. Willett said he was "virtually sure" the results were universally applicable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "universally applicable", ensure that the context genuinely supports the idea of applicability to all situations. Overuse can weaken your argument if exceptions exist.

Common error

Avoid using "universally applicable" when there are known limitations or exceptions. Qualify your statement to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "universally applicable" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It describes a noun by indicating that it is applicable in all situations or to all people. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and widely employed across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "universally applicable" is a phrase used to describe something that applies to all situations without exception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's a common phrase, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, it's crucial to use it accurately and avoid overstating the universality of a concept. Alternatives like "generally applicable" or "widely applicable" might be more appropriate when exceptions exist. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Generally applicable

Emphasizes broad applicability, but might imply exceptions are possible.

Widely applicable

Focuses on the extent of application rather than universality.

Broadly applicable

Similar to 'widely applicable', suggesting a large scope.

Universally relevant

Shifts the focus from application to relevance, implying importance in all contexts.

Globally applicable

Highlights that the application spans the entire world or global scale.

Applicable in all cases

Replaces the single adjective with a prepositional phrase emphasizing complete inclusion.

Applicable without exception

Similar to 'applicable in all cases', but more explicitly denies any exceptions.

Invariably applicable

Uses 'invariably' to strengthen the idea of consistent application.

Consistently applicable

Focuses on the regularity and dependability of the application.

Across-the-board applicable

Informal term, mostly used in news context and business context

FAQs

How do you use "universally applicable" in a sentence?

Use "universally applicable" to describe principles, methods, or solutions that are effective or relevant in all situations. For example, "The principle of honesty is "universally applicable" in both personal and professional contexts."

What are some alternatives to "universally applicable"?

Alternatives include "generally applicable", "widely applicable", or "broadly applicable", depending on the degree of universality you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "universally applicable"?

It is inappropriate to use "universally applicable" when describing something that has limitations, exceptions, or only applies to specific situations. In such cases, using "generally applicable" or "widely applicable" would be more accurate.

What's the difference between "universally applicable" and "widely applicable"?

"Universally applicable" implies that something applies to every single case without exception, while "widely applicable" suggests it applies to many cases but not necessarily all. Something "widely applicable" has a broad range of uses, but it is not necessarily "universally applicable".