applied for a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied for a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of submitting an application for a job or role within an organization. Example: "After reviewing the job description, I decided to apply for a position at the marketing firm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

As Ms. Sotomayor finished law school, she applied for a position at the State Department.

The New York Times

In June 2008, she applied for a position at the international law firm DLA Piper LLP.

The Guardian

Mr. Palin found out that he had applied for a position in the Police Department.

The New York Times

He applied for a position as a federal officer, one with counterterrorism responsibilities.

The New Yorker

So, after seeing an advert for volunteers for Oxjam, she applied for a position in the Bath team.

The Guardian

Each of the officers applied for a position in this unit specifically and so unsurprisingly, all are cyclists.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

She was applying for a position with the Department of Education.

The New Yorker

On September 25, Wyman had written them a letter applying for a position.

The New Yorker

Derek McGrath has said he will not apply for a position in the new governing body.

The Guardian - Sport

I am considering applying for a position in a different unit.

The New York Times

A friend had called, urging him to apply for a position there as director of dance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure you clearly state the specific position you are referencing when using the phrase "applied for a position". This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "applied for a position" without specifying the company or type of role. For example, instead of saying "He applied for a position", specify "He applied for a marketing position at Google".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied for a position" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a completed action of seeking employment. It uses the past tense of the verb "apply" and specifies the object of the application as "a position". Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "applied for a position" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the act of submitting an application for a job. Ludwig AI confirms it sees wide usage. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the position and organization enhances understanding. Alternatives like "sought a position" and "submitted an application" offer nuanced ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applied to a job opening

Specifies that the application was for a specific job.

sought a position

Focuses on the act of searching or looking for a position.

submitted an application

Highlights the act of formally handing in an application.

pursued a job opportunity

Highlights the active pursuit of a job.

put in for a job

An informal way of saying that someone applied for a job.

sought employment

A more formal way of saying someone looked for a job.

expressed interest in a position

Focuses on the initial expression of interest rather than the formal application.

sent in my resume

Describes the act of sending a resume as part of an application.

registered as a candidate

Implies a formal registration to be considered for a role.

bid for a position

Suggests a competitive application process, possibly involving a formal proposal.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "applied for a position"?

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

How to use "applied for a position" in a sentence?

You can use "applied for a position" to describe someone who has submitted an application for a job. For example: "She applied for a position at the local hospital".

Is it correct to say "applying for a position"?

Yes, "applying for a position" is grammatically correct and means the action of currently submitting an application. "Applied for a position" indicates the action has already taken place.

What's the difference between "applied for a position" and "applied to a position"?

"Applied for a position" is the standard and correct usage. "Applied to a position" is less common and can sound awkward; it's better to stick with "applied for".