apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to put something into practice or as an adjective which means relevant or suitable. Example: "You should apply the same principles to this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Terms apply.

The Guardian - Sport

For patients with concession cards and children aged under 16 the fee will apply for only the first 10 services in each year.

The Guardian

Ending the something for nothing culture needs to apply to immigration as well as welfare.

The Guardian

No verbal or written correspondence will be entered into with unsuccessful applicants although unsuccessful applicants may apply to other selective Guardian Masterclasses.

The Guardian

On Monday, the US supreme court will hear oral arguments in the Sheehan case, to decide whether and how disabilities regulations apply to police policies and procedures during arrests.

The Guardian

You have to be 26 or under to apply.

The Guardian

But they did not so much take their foot off the gas as apply the handbrake, turn off the engine and throw the key out of the window.

The Guardian - Sport

At an Old Bailey hearing scheduled for this Friday, the Met had been due to apply for a production order to obtain all the material that the Guardian holds that would disclose sources for the newspaper's coverage of the phone-hacking inquiry this year.

The Guardian

However such powers do not apply in the case of Nadir as the relevant legislation became active only in 1995 – five years after Polly Peck failed.

The Guardian - Business

"Actor needed for new series set in 1930s Newcastle - only genuine Geordies need apply".

The Guardian

A country party should be able to stand up in a cabinet that seeks to make young unemployed people apply for 40 jobs a month in towns that are lucky to have one job vacancy in that time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to submitting applications, specify what you are applying for, and to whom. For example: "apply for a job" or "apply to a university".

Common error

Avoid confusing "apply", which means to put something into effect or make a formal request, with "imply", which means to suggest something indirectly. For example, "The rules apply to everyone" versus "His words imply a threat."

Linguistic Context

The word "apply" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the act of putting something into effect, making a request, or being relevant to a particular situation. As Ludwig explains, it is generally grammatically correct and versatile in usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "apply" is a versatile verb with a wide range of applications, from submitting formal requests to putting principles into practice. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. It's essential to differentiate "apply" from "imply" to avoid common errors, and to ensure clarity regarding the subject to which something is being applied. As a very common term, "apply" offers a solid foundation for clear and effective communication across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put into practice

Highlights translating theory into practical action.

implement

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect.

utilize

Highlights the practical use of something.

employ

Emphasizes using something for a particular purpose.

exercise

Implies using a skill or right.

make use of

A more general way to say use or utilize.

execute

Focuses on carrying out a task or plan.

administer

Suggests managing or overseeing the use of something.

bring to bear

Implies bringing influence or pressure to a situation.

have recourse to

Indicates turning to something for help or a solution.

FAQs

How can I use "apply" in a sentence?

The word "apply" can be used in a sentence to mean to make a formal application or to put something into operation. For example, "You need to "apply" for the job before the deadline" or "We should "apply" these principles to our daily lives."

What can I say instead of "apply"?

You can use alternatives like "implement", "utilize", or "employ" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "apply to" or "apply for"?

"Apply to" is used when you are addressing someone or something, while "apply for" is used when seeking something like a job or a grant. For example, "Apply to the manager" versus "Apply for the position".

What's the difference between "apply" and "imply"?

"Apply" means to put something into effect or make a formal request. "Imply" means to suggest something indirectly. They are not interchangeable. For example, "The new rules "apply" to everyone" while "His silence might "imply" disagreement".