# apply to sb/sth

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apply-to-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be relevant to a person or a situation. you use this when a rule or a piece of information is about you or your case.

For teachers: to be relevant, pertinent, or applicable to a specific person, group, or set of circumstances. this is an intransitive phrasal verb followed by a prepositional object.

## Examples

- These rules apply to everyone in the office.
- The discount only applies to students who can show a valid university ID card.
- The new environmental regulations apply to all manufacturing firms operating within the European Union, regardless of their country of origin.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The law applies for everyone." but "The law applies to everyone." — the preposition 'to' is required to indicate the target of the relevance; 'apply for' is used for requests.

## Usage notes

- commonly used with rules, laws, conditions, or general statements.
- Teaching tip: contrast with the transitive 'apply' (to put on or use) and 'apply for' (to request a job or position); this sense focuses on relevance and scope.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.