universally applied

USAGE SUMMARY

"universally applied" is a perfectly valid expression that is perfectly suitable for use in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been universally adopted by a large number of people. For example, you could say "This medical procedure has been universally applied and accepted by medical professionals around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For one thing, redemption fees will work only if they are universally applied and enforced.

The New York Times

A universally applied spending cap that levels this playing field could be a step forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

An exemption for fishing boats ended in 2013, but the numbering is still not universally applied.

The Economist

Despite all this evidence, most pension professionals still question whether the Boots model can be universally applied.

The New York Times

Our political rights in the physical world were hard won, and they are still not universally applied.

The Guardian

"It is universally applied to the really boring bits of any sport where nothing appears to be happening.

The Guardian - Sport

Question marks also remain over the secrecy now universally applied by death penalty states over the source of their drugs.

The Guardian

This reform was little more than a bookkeeping change at best, and it was not universally applied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The theory developed in the paper can be universally applied to the moving source problem for linear systems.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"The rules and regulations covering the area of employment in this area are at best confusing and not universally applied," he said.

The New York Times

The MacArthur Foundation supports organizations that aim to make the "responsibility to protect" a universally applied norm, not just a noble aspiration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "universally applied", ensure that the context supports the claim of universal application. If there are exceptions or limitations, it's more accurate to use phrases like "widely applied" or "generally applied".

Common error

Avoid using "universally applied" when the application is not truly universal. Overstating the extent of application can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility. Be precise about the scope of the application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "universally applied" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a passive verb. It indicates that something is being used or implemented without exception in all cases or situations. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical validity and common usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "universally applied" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something implemented without exception. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. To ensure proper usage, be precise about the scope of application and avoid overstating universality. When you want to convey a similar but slightly different nuance, alternatives like "generally implemented" or "widely adopted" can be considered. Using the right language gives precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally implemented

Implies a wide but not necessarily complete application.

broadly enforced

Focuses on the enforcement aspect across a wide area.

widely adopted

Suggests acceptance and use by a large number of people or entities.

consistently administered

Highlights the uniformity and regularity of the application.

uniformly executed

Emphasizes the standardized manner of implementation.

across the board

An idiomatic expression indicating application to all categories or groups.

in all instances

Highlights that something is applied every time.

without exception

Indicates that no one or nothing is excluded from the application.

across all contexts

Highlights that something is applied to any context.

globally implemented

Emphasizes worldwide application.

FAQs

How can I use "universally applied" in a sentence?

You can use "universally applied" to describe a rule, principle, or method that is used in all cases or situations. For example, "The golden rule is a moral principle that is "universally applied" in many cultures."

What phrases are similar to "universally applied"?

Similar phrases include "generally implemented", "broadly enforced", and "widely adopted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "almost universally applied"?

Yes, "almost universally applied" is correct. It acknowledges that something is applied in nearly all cases, but it allows for the possibility of exceptions, indicating a degree of application that is less than absolute universality.

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

"Widely applied" means something is used in many cases, but not necessarily all. "Universally applied", on the other hand, means it is used in all cases without exception.