" to/in/into/on" are all correct here?

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"Apply this ointment to/in/into/on the affected area."Q. " to/in/into/on" are all correct here?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

thanks3Q. " to/in/into/on" are all correct here?

No, only "to". We apply things to other things.

CalifJim · Answer

thanks3
"Apply this ointment to/in/into/on the affected area."
Q. " to/in/into/on" are all correct here?

Assuming "the affected area" is a surface like skin, "apply it on" is found more often than the others.

Found online:

apply it on the face; apply it on the scars; apply it on the skin; apply it on your cheeks; do not apply it on frozen ground; apply it on a small section of the wall; they apply it on their foreheads

But there are also a few with "apply it to":

apply it to the back of the hands; apply it to the eyes; apply it to your hair

You're probably OK with either 'on' or 'to'.

But those with 'in' or 'into' are nearly impossible unless you're willing to accept "apply it in equal amounts ...", but I'm sure that's not what you're looking for.

CJ

" to/in/into/on" are all correct here?

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