were applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

'were applicable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'were applicable' when you want to express that the rules or conditions would normally be applicable, but in the current situation, they are not. For example: The normal rules of the game were not applicable in this situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Barriers were identified in each category and were applicable to decision-makers, administrators and applicants.

BMC Health Services Research

But in August they complained that it was trying to deny that UK laws were applicable to their use.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Sandole taught advanced harmonic techniques that were applicable to any instrument, using exotic scales and creating his own.

The New York Times

Under the laws of war, which the Administration asserted were applicable in fata, it isn't necessary to know the names of enemy guerrillas before attacking.

The New Yorker

For Katy B and last year's free Danger EP (featuring a stellar cast of collaborators including Diplo, Wiley and Jacques Greene), none of these things were applicable.

The Guardian - Music

Officially, the eight MDGs were applicable to all but they have been marketed as anti-poverty goals for poor countries that are funded by wealthy nations.

The Guardian

The Supreme Court ruled in June 2006 in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld that the Geneva Conventions were applicable to America's conflict with Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

We will move forward only if that team concludes there is evidence of a crime that would be sufficient to justify a court order, if one were applicable.

The Guardian - Tech

The case was seen by lawyers as the ultimate test of whether the agreements were applicable in English law.

Independent

But I really enjoyed reading it for the points that were applicable to me.

TechCrunch

"They had algorithms that were applicable to our technology," he says.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were applicable", ensure the context clearly defines what the rules, laws, or principles are that apply to the situation. Clarity enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "were applicable" in one situation, it automatically applies to all similar situations. Always verify the conditions for applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were applicable" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate that certain rules, laws, or principles applied. Ludwig's examples show this usage across diverse contexts, validating its grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were applicable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. This phrase communicates that certain rules, laws, or principles held true or had relevance in a particular situation. While alternatives like "were relevant" or "applied" exist, "were applicable" provides a specific indication of direct applicability. Writers should ensure clarity regarding what specifically "were applicable" and avoid assuming universal applicability across all situations. Considering its prevalence in academic papers, legal documents, and news reports, understanding its proper usage is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were relevant

Focuses on the pertinence and connection to the matter at hand; slightly more general than "were applicable".

were pertinent

Emphasizes the direct and significant relevance to the situation, implying importance.

were appropriate

Suggests suitability and correctness for the specific purpose or circumstances.

were suitable

Highlights the fitness or adequacy for a particular need or requirement.

were fitting

Implies that something was well-matched or harmonious within a context.

were germane

Stresses the logical connection and relevance to the subject under consideration.

held true

Indicates that a statement or condition was valid and accurate in a particular situation.

were valid

Confirms the legitimacy and soundness of a rule or principle in a given case.

applied

A more concise way of saying "were applicable", especially in technical or legal contexts.

had bearing

Indicates that something had an influence or effect on the matter being discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "were applicable" in a sentence?

You can use "were applicable" to indicate that certain rules, laws, or conditions applied in a specific situation. For example, "The new regulations "were applicable" to all employees hired after 2024".

What's the difference between "were applicable" and "were relevant"?

"Were applicable" implies that something could be directly applied or used in a certain situation because it had a bearing on that situation. While "were relevant" suggests a more general connection or pertinence. While these terms can often be interchanged, the context should be considered. The traffic rules "were applicable" to everyone, and the driving experience of an individual driver "was relevant" in this scenario.

What are some alternatives to using "were applicable" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "were relevant", "were pertinent", or "applied".

Is it grammatically correct to use "were applicable" in formal writing?

Yes, "were applicable" is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal writing, especially in legal, technical, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this term.