by application only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by application only" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is most commonly used to indicate that a particular opportunity or job must be applied for in order to gain access or receive it. For example: "This scholarship is available by application only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is free to attend but by application only.

The Guardian

Places are free but are limited and available by application only.

The Guardian

Soon I discovered that one could join by application only, and that upon joining one is anointed with a number –​ like that episode of ​The Simpsons in which Homer joins the ancient, secret society of the Stonecutters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The API — which is available by application only — is also an interesting twist.

TechCrunch

Admission to the program is by application only and the costs of running it (from a conference room in the new New York Times building) are defrayed by service providers.

TechCrunch

Now the project is set to open in Sydney on June 29, with invitation by application only.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The place's awkward location out on Philadelphia's Main Line, in Lower Merion Township; its admission-by-application-only policy; and, not least, its crabby, cultish aura, generated by the strange Dr. Albert Barnes and maintained since his death, in 1951 — these factors enfeebled my resolution to go there.

The New Yorker

Yorkshire were struck by Farbrace's application only for the 2nd XI job because he wanted to return to coaching young players.

The Guardian - Sport

Membership is by invitation or application only.

Forbes

By contrast, when soil mineral N from Npre-pl was largely lost to leaching in a high rainfall year, yield was increased by the Npre-pl application only when subsequent Nemerg rates were less than 112 kg ha−1.

Field Crops Research

They have fixed each application only once, by using only one of the techniques in equal numbers.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by application only" to clearly communicate that access, admission, or participation is contingent on a formal application process. This sets expectations and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "by application only" when the process is merely a formality. This phrase suggests a competitive selection process, not simply a registration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by application only" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, specifying the method of access or attainment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that an application is the sole means to something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by application only" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to convey that something is exclusively accessible through a formal application process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While the phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science, its register is considered neutral to professional, making it suitable for diverse contexts. To avoid miscommunication, ensure a genuine selection process exists when using this phrase. Alternatives like "application required" or "admission by application" can be used depending on the context to better specify how something can be accessed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on application only

A more concise way of stating the condition.

application required

Implies a mandatory application, focusing on the requirement itself.

admission by application

Specifically refers to acceptance into a program or institution through an application process.

entry by application

Similar to admission, but can apply to various contexts beyond academic institutions.

accessible through application

Highlights the means by which something can be accessed.

available via application

Emphasizes the availability of something through an application.

selection by application

Focuses on the selection process based on applications.

subject to application

Indicates that something is conditional upon the submission of an application.

apply to access

Specifies the action required to gain access.

accessed by submitting an application

Provides a more detailed explanation of how to gain access.

FAQs

How do I use "by application only" in a sentence?

Use "by application only" to specify that something is accessible or attainable through a formal application process. For example, "Membership is "by application only"".

What is a similar phrase to "by application only"?

A similar phrase is "by invitation only", although the latter suggests a more exclusive and personal selection process. Other alternatives include "application required".

When should I use "by application only" versus "application required"?

"By application only" emphasizes that the application is the only way to gain access or consideration. "Application required" simply states that an application is necessary but doesn't necessarily exclude other factors or methods.

Is "by application only" grammatically correct?

Yes, "by application only" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal and informal contexts to indicate that a formal application is the sole means of access or participation.