an application for

USAGE SUMMARY

"an application for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of requesting or applying for something, such as a job, loan, or permit. Example: I am submitting an application for the position of marketing assistant at your company.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He personally signed an application for asylum.

The New York Times

GNM reserves the right to refuse an application for attendance.

The Guardian

"It was an application for an application," she said.

The New York Times

Have you ever filled out an application for employment?

The New York Times

GNMA reserves the right to refuse an application for attendance.

The Guardian

They submitted an application for a Broomgrass conservation easement.

The Washington Post

The court rejected an application for awarding damages.

The New York Times

Chilean authorities arrested him and refused an application for bail.

The Economist

Belgrade submitted an application for EU candidacy late in December.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Submit an application for listings that seem appropriate.

The New York Times

Huhne applied both for an application for dismissal and an application for abuse of process to get the case against him thrown out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a formal document, ensure that the application clearly states the purpose and includes all required information to avoid delays in processing.

Common error

Avoid submitting an "application for" something without providing all the necessary details. Incomplete applications are often rejected or delayed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an application for" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the purpose or target of the application. Ludwig's AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an application for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to formally request or seek something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure that your application is complete and clearly states its purpose. Alternatives such as "a request for" or "applying for" can be used depending on the specific context. Be mindful of the level of formality when choosing this phrase, as it can range from neutral to professional depending on the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a request for

Replaces "application" with "request", emphasizing the act of asking.

a submission for

Replaces "application" with "submission", highlighting the act of formally presenting something.

applying for

Transforms the phrase into a gerund, emphasizing the action of applying.

a petition for

Replaces "application" with "petition", suggesting a formal written request.

a demand for

Replaces "application" with "demand", suggesting a more assertive request.

a registration for

Replaces "application" with "registration", focusing on the act of officially recording something.

an appeal for

Replaces "application" with "appeal", indicating a plea or urgent request.

a claim for

Replaces "application" with "claim", focusing on asserting a right or entitlement.

a candidacy for

Replaces "application" with "candidacy", specifically used in the context of seeking a position.

seeking

Using a verb to encapsulate the action of applying

FAQs

How do I use "an application for" in a sentence?

You can use "an application for" to describe the act of formally requesting something, such as "I submitted "an application for a loan"".

What are some alternatives to "an application for"?

You can use alternatives like "a request for", "a submission for", or "applying for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "application to" or "application for"?

While "application to" can be used in some contexts (e.g., "an application to join"), "an application for" is generally used when referring to the thing being applied for (e.g., "an application for funding").

What's the difference between "an application for" and "a request for"?

"An application for" often implies a more formal and structured process, while "a request for" can be more informal and general. Both phrases indicate the act of seeking something.