apply to the surface vs apply to surface

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Apply to the surface' is used when referring to a specific surface, while 'apply to surface' is used when talking about applying something to surfaces in general.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1522 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to applying something to a specific surface.

"apply to the surface"

This phrase is used when you want to specify the particular surface to which something is being applied.

Examples:

Apply the paint to the surface evenly.
Make sure to apply the adhesive to the surface before sticking the tiles.
The instructions say to apply the cream to the surface twice a day.

Show examples from the web [+]

The 25 hectares should clearly apply to the surface under effective extraction.
The area of SCIs in CY applies only to the surface of the area to which the Habitats Directive applies.
The Directive applies to the frontal surfaces of vehicles.
This Directive applies to the frontal surfaces of vehicles.
In that case the required radius shall apply to the soft surface only.
Do not apply the medicine to the surface of the dog's hair coat.
We're going to carefully apply the epoxied surface to the frame.
Apply only to the skin surface and on intact skin.
Where less than five brands are displayed, the rules set out in Article 6 shall apply and the surface area allocated to brands shall be reduced proportionally.
This is the first piece of Community water legislation to apply to all surface and ground waters.
It could well be that this directive is insufficiently ambitious and that it should also apply to much smaller surface areas.
whereas the limit of 0.1 μg/l for pesticides in drinking water which applies to groundwater and surface waters is frequently exceeded, giving rise to high treatment costs,
1. Subject to Article 8, this Directive shall apply to: - inland surface water,
D. whereas the limit of 0.1 μg/l for pesticides in drinking water which applies to groundwater and surface waters is frequently exceeded, which gives rise to high treatment costs,
If a surface is larger than 0,25 m2, then requirements for material used as surface applies.
Final randomization to apply after all vertices are created. Use small non-zero values to apply some fine surface noise.
To protect aquatic organisms/non-target plants do not apply on impermeable surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, cobblestones, railway tracks and other situations with a high risk of run-off.
The levels apply to unfixed contamination, that is, one which can be removed by wiping the surface and thus likely to be transmitted to people in contact with the surface.
The exemption shall not, however, apply to articles in which the advertising covers more than 25 % of the surface.
This Directive shall apply to soil forming the top layer of the earth's crust situated between the bedrock and the surface, excluding groundwater as defined in Article 2(2) of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Alternatives:

apply to the wall
apply to the table
apply to the skin
apply to the wood
apply to the metal

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to applying something to surfaces in general.

"apply to surface"

This phrase is used when the focus is on applying something to surfaces in a general sense, without specifying a particular surface.

Examples:

It is important to apply the sealant to surface before painting.
The product can be applied to surface using a brush or roller.
Make sure to apply the primer to surface before applying the final coat.

Show examples from the web [+]

The 25 hectares should clearly apply to the surface under effective extraction.
This is the first piece of Community water legislation to apply to all surface and ground waters.
The Directive applies to the frontal surfaces of vehicles.
This Directive applies to the frontal surfaces of vehicles.
It could well be that this directive is insufficiently ambitious and that it should also apply to much smaller surface areas.
In that case the required radius shall apply to the soft surface only.
whereas the limit of 0.1 μg/l for pesticides in drinking water which applies to groundwater and surface waters is frequently exceeded, giving rise to high treatment costs,
1. Subject to Article 8, this Directive shall apply to: - inland surface water,
D. whereas the limit of 0.1 μg/l for pesticides in drinking water which applies to groundwater and surface waters is frequently exceeded, which gives rise to high treatment costs,
The area of SCIs in CY applies only to the surface of the area to which the Habitats Directive applies.
Final randomization to apply after all vertices are created. Use small non-zero values to apply some fine surface noise.
We're going to carefully apply the epoxied surface to the frame.
Apply only to the skin surface and on intact skin.
Do not apply the medicine to the surface of the dog's hair coat.
If a surface is larger than 0,25 m2, then requirements for material used as surface applies.
Where less than five brands are displayed, the rules set out in Article 6 shall apply and the surface area allocated to brands shall be reduced proportionally.
To protect aquatic organisms/non-target plants do not apply on impermeable surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, cobblestones, railway tracks and other situations with a high risk of run-off.
With regard to surface temperatures, requirement 2.1.2.3 applies.
The levels apply to unfixed contamination, that is, one which can be removed by wiping the surface and thus likely to be transmitted to people in contact with the surface.
The procedure in accordance with this paragraph also applies to high density, high or average molecular mass polyethylene packagings, the internal surface of which is fluorinated.

Alternatives:

apply to various surfaces
apply to different surfaces
apply to all surfaces
apply to multiple surfaces
apply to different types of surfaces

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apply to the surface vs apply to surface