apply for the role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply for the role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of submitting an application for a job position. Example: "I decided to apply for the role of marketing manager at the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Law changes mean a police chief from one of four other countries can apply for the role.

The Guardian

Andrew is invited to apply for the role of operations director, which will not cover the national team.

The Guardian - Sport

Vacancies show hundreds of primaries and secondaries are struggling to find teachers willing to apply for the role of head, assistant or deputy head.

The Guardian

A call from Fred Roche, the Milton Keynes Development Corporation's general manager, invited him to apply for the role of chief architect and planner.

The Guardian

It should all be sorted out in your mind before you apply for the role, and that whole planning is important to me.

The Guardian - Sport

I was told I could apply for the role, but was strongly discouraged from doing so – and was told, not in so many words, that I wouldn't get it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Government employees at other regulatory agencies whose positions are being shifted to the new bureau will have to apply for the roles like any other candidate.

The New York Times

Aspirants are assumed to select and apply for the roles they want to perform in specific target groups (Granovetter, 1995; Judge and Cable, 1997), and these target groups are assumed to acquire new members by selecting for best fit from among the aspirants that they have attracted (Jovanovic, 1979).

Administrative Science Quarterly

And Lord Justice Goldring reviewed and rescinded a ban on magistrates applying for the role, on the same day.

The Guardian

There have been rumours that Peston has applied for the role of Guardian editor when Alan Rusbridger moves on later this year.

The Guardian

Gibbons, who applied for the role after it was advertised internally by the BBC, will commission programmes and content for BBC World News and its website, www.bbc.com/news.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a cover letter, clearly state that you "apply for the role" and specify the exact title to avoid any ambiguity. Mention the reference number, if applicable.

Common error

Avoid using "apply for the role" when you mean to say someone is already performing the duties of that position. "Apply for the role" means to submit an application, while "fill the role" means to occupy or perform the duties of that role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply for the role" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally requesting consideration for a specific job or duty. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apply for the role" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of formally seeking a job or position. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While alternatives such as "seek the position" or "submit an application for the job" exist, "apply for the role" is direct and widely understood. Remember to clearly state your intention when "applying for the role" to avoid confusion. It's also important to distinguish it from "filling the role", which refers to already performing the job's duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek the position

Emphasizes the act of actively searching for the role.

submit an application for the job

Highlights the formal process of applying.

put yourself forward for the position

Suggests a proactive approach to seeking the role.

express interest in the opportunity

Focuses on showing enthusiasm for the role.

show interest in the opening

Indicates a general expression of interest.

compete for the opening

Highlights the competitive aspect of the application process.

be a candidate for the position

Focuses on being considered as a potential choice.

vie for the role

Implies a strong competition for the role.

express your interest

A shorter, more general way of showing interest.

enquire about the position

Suggests an initial step of asking for more details.

FAQs

What does "apply for the role" mean?

To "apply for the role" means to formally submit an application or express your interest in being considered for a specific job position or function.

What are some alternatives to "apply for the role"?

You can use alternatives like "seek the position", "submit an application for the job", or "put yourself forward for the position".

How can I use "apply for the role" in a sentence?

You can say, "I am writing to "apply for the role" of marketing manager" or "She decided to "apply for the role" after gaining relevant experience".

Is it better to say "apply for the role" or "apply for the position"?

Both phrases are correct and widely used. "Apply for the position" is slightly more formal, while "apply for the role" can sound a bit more conversational. The choice depends on the context and your personal preference.