Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
applications sought
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "applications sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in job postings or announcements to indicate that applications are being requested for a position or opportunity. Example: "We are pleased to announce that applications sought for the position of Marketing Manager are now open."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The project was advertised and applications sought.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
He said the applications seek precise information and will take over a year to prepare.
News & Media
Faced with applications seeking more than $2 billion, Judge Korman will have to make agonizing choices.
News & Media
Those challenges have come, not surprisingly, from applications seeking trademarks that include ".com," "i" for Internet or "e" for electronic.
News & Media
That's why our new civil service apprenticeship scheme, which is now open for applications, seeks to recruit precisely these kinds of people.
News & Media
The detailed applications seek permission to construct 1,314 residential units falling within two of the four the so-called "villages" in Sir Terry Farrell's project masterplan.
News & Media
At this point Ruth, normally a keen advocate of Google's many useful applications, seeks out Benoit, a waste disposal worker, who translates the doomed pilot's words with the finesse of an award-winning interpreter.
News & Media
Big data applications seek to extract information from large datasets.
Science
Beyond traffic, a number of smart applications seek to uncover the best local shops, restaurants, and events, based on user recommendations.
News & Media
"Android's coarse grained access control provides insufficient protection against third-party applications seeking to collect sensitive data," wrote the researchers in a paper about their work.
News & Media
The new filtering methodology offers significant computational savings, particularly for multi-scale applications seeking to couple continuum informations with atomistic models.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "applications sought" in formal announcements or job postings to clearly state that applications are being requested. It conveys a professional and direct tone.
Common error
Avoid using "applications sought" in informal contexts or casual conversation. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler phrases like "we're hiring" or "apply now".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "applications sought" functions as a passive construction indicating that applications are being requested or looked for. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "applications sought" is a grammatically correct and formal way to announce that applications are being requested for a position or opportunity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While "applications sought" is correct and usable, it is more appropriate for formal contexts such as job postings or official announcements. Alternatives such as "apply now" or "we're hiring" can be used in more informal settings. The phrase is predominantly used in news, science, and business contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
applications requested
Changes the verb from 'sought' to 'requested', maintaining a formal tone but with a slightly different emphasis.
applications are being solicited
Uses a more formal verb, 'solicited', to indicate applications are being actively requested.
application submissions invited
Replaces 'sought' with 'invited' and adds 'submissions' to clarify the action, adding a degree of explicitness.
inviting applications
Uses the verb 'inviting' to convey a more open and encouraging tone when requesting applications.
we are accepting applications
Shifts from passive to active voice, making it clearer who is requesting the applications.
request for applications
Nominalizes the phrase, focusing on the request itself rather than the act of seeking.
apply now
A concise call to action that implies applications are being actively looked for, but it's less formal.
submissions are now open
Focuses on the openness of the submission period, rather than directly stating applications are desired.
we encourage applications
Emphasizes encouragement for people to apply, suggesting a welcoming approach.
seeking applicants
Switches the focus to those who are applying rather than the applications themselves, also reverses the order of the original phrase.
FAQs
What does "applications sought" mean?
The phrase "applications sought" means that applications are being requested or invited for a particular position, program, or opportunity. It's a formal way of saying that people are encouraged to apply.
What's a less formal alternative to "applications sought"?
Less formal alternatives include "apply now", "we're hiring", or "submit your application". The best choice depends on the specific context.
In what contexts is it appropriate to use "applications sought"?
It's most appropriate in formal contexts such as job postings, official announcements, or academic solicitations. Using it in casual conversation may sound unnatural.
How can I rephrase "we are seeking applications" to sound more inviting?
Consider using phrases like "we encourage applications" or "application submissions invited" to create a more welcoming tone while still maintaining a level of professionalism.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested