an applicant

USAGE SUMMARY

"an applicant" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when referring to someone who is seeking a job or a place in a college or university. For example, "The HR department reviewed all of the applicant's qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The residency application process is predicated on the validity of the credentials submitted by an applicant.

BMC Medical Education

What makes an applicant stand out?

The New York Times

Know the college makes sense for you as an applicant.

The New York Times

On one occasion, Mr. Dimitrov auditioned an applicant over drinks.

The New York Times

Was an applicant trying to impress the admissions office?

The New York Times

If they turn down an applicant, they never explain why.

The New York Times

Relax and be a student for now, not an applicant".

The New Yorker

Ms. Dratch arrived as an applicant to the college.

The New York Times - Arts

To pass, an applicant has to get six right.

The New York Times

Any hint of deception is bad news for an applicant.

The New York Times

There's no big money to be made being an applicant".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of people, use "applicants" to refer to multiple individuals seeking the same position or opportunity. For example, "The committee reviewed all the applicants for the scholarship."

Common error

Avoid using "a applicant"; the correct article to use before "applicant" is "an" because the word begins with a vowel sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an applicant" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a person who applies or formally requests something, such as a job, position, or admission. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase. The accompanying examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an applicant" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to someone who is applying for a position or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is prevalent in news, science, and formal business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "an applicant", remember to choose the correct article ("an" instead of "a") due to the vowel sound at the beginning of 'applicant'. Consider alternatives like "candidate" or "job seeker" depending on the specific context you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a candidate

Replaces 'applicant' with 'candidate', often used in political or election contexts. Also has a slightly more formal tone.

a job seeker

Focuses specifically on individuals looking for employment, narrowing the context.

prospective employee

Highlights the potential employment relationship, shifting the perspective to the employer's view.

potential recruit

Emphasizes the recruitment process and the individual's potential to be recruited.

a nominee

Suggests that the person has been formally proposed or suggested for a position or award.

a registrant

Highlights the act of registering or enrolling, often for programs or services.

an entrant

Emphasizes the act of entering a competition, contest, or other event.

a prospect

Suggests someone who is being considered, but not necessarily actively applying.

a contender

Implies a competitive situation where multiple people are vying for the same position.

an interested party

Broader term suggesting a general interest without necessarily applying for something specific.

FAQs

How do you use "an applicant" in a sentence?

Use "an applicant" when referring to a single person who is applying for a job, program, or position. For example, "An applicant must submit all required documents by the deadline."

What's the difference between "an applicant" and "a candidate"?

"A candidate" often implies someone who has already been selected or nominated, while "an applicant" is anyone who applies, regardless of their chances of success.

What are some synonyms for "an applicant"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "a job seeker", "a prospective employee", or "a potential recruit".

Is it better to say "applicant" or "candidate" in a job application?

In a job application, using "an applicant" is generally more accurate, as it describes your current status. "A candidate" might be more appropriate later in the hiring process.