apply for citizenship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply for citizenship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of requesting legal citizenship in a country. Example: "After living in the country for several years, I decided it was time to apply for citizenship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Next year, I apply for citizenship.

The Guardian - Opinion

How do I apply for citizenship?

The New York Times

The next step is to apply for citizenship.

The New York Times

One asked if she planned to apply for citizenship.

The New Yorker

Only 60% of all legal immigrants actually apply for citizenship.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Another 20 days, and we can apply for citizenship.

The Guardian - Sport

Only after turning eighteen can people born in Italy to non-Italian parents apply for citizenship.

The New Yorker

He jokingly told Mr. Maliki: "I've come to apply for citizenship.

The New York Times

Now, a green card-holder can apply for citizenship after five years.

The Economist

They have permanent resident status, or green cards, but cannot apply for citizenship for several years.

The New York Times

Of course, the first and necessary step would be for Mr. Clinton to apply for citizenship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "apply for citizenship", be sure to specify if you are referring to naturalization or citizenship by descent.

Common error

Avoid assuming that meeting the basic requirements to "apply for citizenship" guarantees approval. The application can still be denied due to factors like criminal history or providing false information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply for citizenship" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally requesting citizenship in a country. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, aligning with examples where individuals are in the process of or considering this action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apply for citizenship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of formally requesting citizenship in a country. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, it's important to be aware of the specific requirements and potential pitfalls of the application process, as merely applying does not guarantee approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek citizenship

Focuses on the action of trying to obtain citizenship.

request citizenship

Emphasizes the formal nature of asking for citizenship.

pursue citizenship

Highlights the effort and determination involved in becoming a citizen.

naturalize

Refers specifically to the process of becoming a citizen.

file for citizenship

Focuses on the formal submission of documents.

initiate citizenship proceedings

Emphasizes the beginning of the legal process.

commence naturalization process

Highlights the start of becoming a citizen through naturalization.

register for citizenship

Focuses on the act of officially registering as a candidate for citizenship.

become a citizen

Expresses the end goal of the application process.

seek naturalization

Highlights the process of naturalization.

FAQs

What are the basic requirements to "apply for citizenship" in the United States?

Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, have been a permanent resident for a certain period (usually 3 or 5 years), demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the US, be able to read, write, and speak English, and have a basic understanding of US history and government.

What documents do I need to "apply for citizenship"?

Typical documents include a copy of your permanent resident card (Green Card), application form N-400, passport photos, and documents related to your marital history or criminal record, if applicable. Check the official guidelines for a complete list.

What's the difference between "seek citizenship" and "apply for citizenship"?

"Seek citizenship" is a broader term that encompasses all the actions taken to become a citizen, while "apply for citizenship" refers to the specific act of submitting an application to the relevant authorities.

What can I say instead of "apply for citizenship"?

You can use alternatives like "request citizenship", "pursue citizenship", or "file for citizenship depending on the context.