whichever applies

USAGE SUMMARY

'whichever applies' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to make a choice between two or more options and it doesn't matter which option is chosen. For example, "Please choose one of the options listed below, whichever applies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I haven't blogged about the National Popular Vote initiative for a while (not since June!), for which I apologize — or for which I acknowledge your gratitude, whichever applies.

The New Yorker

By Hendrik Hertzberg October 16, 2011 I haven't blogged about the National Popular Vote initiative for a while (not since June!), for which I apologize — or for which I acknowledge your gratitude, whichever applies.

The New Yorker

(2) If a motion for reconsideration is timely filed, a notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days after the ALJ denies the motion or issues a revised initial decision, whichever applies.

Cornell University

(d) If a timely motion for reconsideration is denied, a notice of appeal may be filed within 30 days following such denial or issuance of a revised initial decision, whichever applies.

Cornell University

(c Compliance with the bioreactor control removal provisions in this section constitutes compliance with 40 CFR part 60, subpart WWW or the Federal plan, whichever applies to your bioreactor.

Cornell University

Registered exporters, and persons who in accordance with part 1301 of this chapter are exempt from registration, seeking to reexport controlled substances must submit an application for a permit to reexport controlled substances on DEA Form 161R or DEA Form 161R-EEA, whichever applies.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

(Only do whichever apply to you).

WikiHow

(Only do whichever apply to you).. State why you are leaving.

WikiHow

Though his letter is open to different interpretations concerning who he is labeling, it seems to me that it is offensive whichever one applies.

Los Angeles Times

Attach the rope that came with your installation kit to the pulling cone or to the bottom connector, whichever way applies to your installation kit.

WikiHow

Whichever explanation applies to N. californicus, owing to their hyperaggressive behaviour small males were the superior interference mate competitors, reducing the likelihood of encounter between the females and the standard-sized males and thereby counterbalancing the female preference for standard-sized males.

Animal Behaviour

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear what options are being referred to when using "whichever applies" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "whichever applies" without clearly specifying the options from which the selection should be made. Make sure that the reader knows what choices are available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whichever applies" functions as a connector or qualifier, indicating that a selection should be made based on relevance or suitability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from legal documents to general instructions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "whichever applies" is a versatile connector used to indicate that a choice should be made based on relevance or suitability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It is particularly frequent in academic and news media settings. The phrase serves the purpose of providing flexibility and avoiding unnecessary specificity, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "whichever applies", ensure clarity by clearly specifying the options from which the selection should be made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whichever is relevant

Replaces "applies" with "is relevant", focusing on the pertinence of the choice.

whichever is appropriate

Substitutes "applies" with "is appropriate", emphasizing the suitability of the choice.

whichever is suitable

Focuses on the fitness of the choice for a particular purpose.

whichever is fitting

Highlights the appropriateness of the choice.

as applicable

A shorter, more formal way of saying "whichever applies".

as appropriate

Similar to "as applicable", but slightly more flexible in connotation.

where applicable

Indicates that the choice is only valid in certain situations.

depending on the case

Highlights that the choice varies based on the specific situation.

according to the situation

Emphasizes that the selection is conditional on the circumstances.

whichever holds true

Implies that the choice is based on factual accuracy or validity.

FAQs

How do I use "whichever applies" in a sentence?

Use "whichever applies" to indicate that a choice should be made based on relevance or suitability. For example, "Select the appropriate form, "whichever applies" to your situation."

What's a simple alternative to "whichever applies"?

A simpler alternative is "as applicable", which is often used in formal contexts to mean the same thing.

Is "whichever applies" formal or informal?

"Whichever applies" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and audience. It is generally considered neutral.

When should I use "whichever is applicable" instead of "whichever applies"?

"Whichever is applicable" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the suitability of something in a particular context. Both phrases are largely interchangeable.