applied for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has submitted a request or application for something, such as a job or a position. Example: "I applied for the marketing position at the company last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They applied for college.

The Guardian

She applied for asylum.

The New York Times

None applied for bail.

The Guardian

I applied for an MBA.

The Economist

"I've applied for it.

The New York Times - Sports

They applied for passports.

The New York Times

So I applied for jobs.

The New Yorker

She applied for jobs.

The New York Times

Some applied for unemployment.

The Washington Post

Worried, he applied for N.Y. U

The New York Times

"We haven't applied for anything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "applied for", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being applied for. Be specific with nouns, such as "applied for a job", "applied for citizenship", or "applied for a grant".

Common error

Avoid using "applied for" without specifying the object of the application. For example, instead of saying "She applied for", specify "She applied for the scholarship" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied for" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of formally requesting or seeking something. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts such as applying for jobs, citizenship, permits, and financial aid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applied for" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a formal request or application has been submitted. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While there are several alternatives, it's crucial to specify what exactly was being applied for to maintain clarity. Common errors include omitting the object of the application, leading to ambiguity. Overall, understanding its function and usage patterns ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitted an application for

Formal alternative that emphasizes the act of submitting a formal request.

sought

A more concise and formal way of saying "applied for".

put in for

An informal alternative, more common in spoken English, suggesting an application or request.

registered for

Specifically indicates enrollment or registration for something, such as a course or event.

enrolled in

Suggests a more active involvement and commitment than simply applying.

requested

A general term indicating a formal or informal request.

expressed interest in

Highlights the initial step of showing interest before a formal application.

signed up for

Informal alternative suggesting enrollment or subscription.

sought after

Emphasizes the element of desiring and pursuing.

petitioned for

Implies a formal request, often involving a group or collective action.

FAQs

What does "applied for" mean?

The phrase "applied for" means to have formally requested or submitted an application for something, such as a job, a loan, or a membership.

What can I say instead of "applied for"?

You can use alternatives like "submitted an application for", "sought", or "put in for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have applied for" or "I applied for"?

Both "I have applied for" and "I applied for" are grammatically correct. "I have applied for" uses the present perfect tense, emphasizing that the action was completed at some point in the past and may still be relevant. "I applied for" uses the simple past tense, indicating the action occurred and concluded in the past.

How to use "applied for" in a sentence?

You can use "applied for" in a sentence like this: "She "applied for" the position of marketing manager", or "They "applied for" citizenship last year".