applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "applying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote the act of putting something into practice or effect, such as a rule, regulation, law, or principle. For example, "She is applying the new policy to all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This increase in undergraduate students has had a knock on effect, and seen more graduates applying for higher-level study.

The Guardian

Your son or daughter is applying for university half-way across the country, and they're wondering where they're going to live.

The Guardian

These are just a few questions that may be going through a candidate's mind before applying for a position, before an interview or before starting their new role.

The Guardian

Labor introduced a controversial "no advantage test" on 13 August last year in an unsuccessful attempt to stop asylum boats from coming by insisting that those applying for refugee status in that way received no benefit compared with those who stayed in refugee camps in the region.

The Guardian

Dave Smith, the group's spokesman, said: "Hopefully by the BSG applying for core participant status, we will be able to guarantee that spying on trade unions and passing over information to private companies becomes a theme within the Pitchford inquiry".

The Guardian

As a result, when it comes to leaving campus accommodation after the first year, students are often required to provide guarantors when applying for a tenancy.

The Guardian

The first test in applying GPI comes with the state's recently released first five-year economic development plan.

The Guardian

However, Abdullah was perhaps the first Saudi ruler to seek a new legitimacy, this time emanating from serving the people rather than simply applying divine law.

The Guardian

I was reminded of how class structures continue to restrict human potential when I was applying to study for my master's degree.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coming out during an interview (e.g. if applying for accompanied status, where you would like your partner to come with you) triggers too many questions about homosexuality in the country where you are planning to go and how you would cope with that.

The Guardian

She added that many transgender people do not have GRCs, either because, like Lynn, they don't yet qualify for them, object to them on principle, or do not want to go through the hassle and expense of applying.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "applying" to describe actions involving rules, principles, or methods. For physical substances, consider alternatives like 'spreading' or 'coating'.

Common error

Avoid using "applying" when describing the act of putting a physical substance onto something. For example, instead of "applying the cream", use "spreading the cream" or "putting on the cream".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "applying" is as a verb in its present participle form, often used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. It denotes the action of putting something into effect or making use of something, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applying" is a versatile verb form used to describe the act of putting something into effect, whether it's a rule, principle, or method. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad usability, and this analysis shows its frequent appearance in news, business, and academic contexts. When using "applying", it's crucial to specify what is being applied to ensure clarity and precision. Also, consider alternatives like "implementing" or "utilizing" for nuanced meanings, and avoid using "applying" in contexts involving the physical application of substances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Putting into practice

Implies transferring theoretical knowledge into real-world applications, similar to applying theory.

Implementing

Refers to putting a plan or system into effect, similar to applying a method or rule.

Utilizing

Focuses on making practical and effective use of something, similar to applying resources or skills.

Employing

Indicates using a particular method or resource, like applying a technique.

Enforcing

Specifically relates to making sure rules or laws are followed, a context of applying regulations.

Administering

Involves managing or supervising the execution of something, similar to applying policies.

Executing

Highlights carrying out a plan or order, similar to applying a strategy.

Practicing

Emphasizes repeated application to improve skill, such as applying a learned technique.

Exercising

Suggests using a right, power, or quality, similar to applying authority.

Bringing to bear

This idiom means to exert influence or pressure, akin to applying leverage.

FAQs

How do I use "applying" in a sentence?

You can use "applying" to describe the act of putting something into effect, like a rule or method. For instance, "The teacher is "applying the new grading policy"".

What's a good substitute for "applying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "implementing", "utilizing", or "employing".

Is it correct to say "applying a solution"?

Yes, it is correct when referring to using a solution to solve a problem. However, if you mean physically putting a liquid on something, consider using "spreading" or "coating" instead.

What's the difference between "applying" and "implementing"?

"Applying" generally means putting something into use, while "implementing" suggests putting a plan or system into effect. You might "apply" a rule, but you would "implement" a new policy.