apply

[pinkie9]

Could someone please tell me about this?

A applies to B.
When the word "apply" is used to mean "to concern a particular person, group, or situation", these A and B are not interchangeable, are they?

For example, about Student Misconduct (or whatever) Rule of a university,

1. Purpose (omitted)
2. Scope
This rule applies to all students of the XXX University.

Can the blue sentence be paraphrased as follows?

All students of the XXX University apply to this rule.

 

[BobK]

No, they're not interchangeable. If A applies to B, B is affected (or can be affected) by A. If you want to make 'all students of the XXX University' the subject of the sentence - probably a good idea if you want them to take note of the rule - you need to use another verb (such as 'take note' or 'all students of the XXX University must behave in accordance with this rule',...).

b

 

[pinkie9]

Thank you for your answer and useful advice! :-D