Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
came applying
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "came applying" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers due to its unusual construction. Example: "He came applying for the job, but it was too late."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science & Research
Wiki
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
"When Gloria came applying for a job, I had a vision of her praying with customers," Ripka says.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Next came applied research with 33 percent of the group, while basic research accounted for 28 percent.
Science & Research
"Build it and they will come" applies to more than ballparks.
News & Media
Don't touch your face, so no zits will come, and if a zit does come, apply some zit cream carefully and don't touch it after that.
Wiki
Port Authority officials have defended DiBono's work -- at least when it came to applying fireproofing.
News & Media
Sonia says her comprehensive school was helpful when it came to applying to university, but after the exams it "sort of left us to it".
News & Media
When it came to applying for university, the library became a place where I could borrow books in order to support my application to university.
News & Media
How's yours?" This stichomythia, Dickstein suggests, came from applying the hardboiled style of crime stories to the softhearted subject matter of a couple falling in love.
News & Media
And when it came to applying this idea years later, they had little trouble.
Science & Research
The Undertaker came back, applying the triangle choke until Gene Snitsky interfered and attacked The Undertaker.
Wiki
It took 6 years with my parents not knowing anything that came with applying and attending college.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "came applying" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "arrived to apply" or "came to submit an application".
Common error
The phrase "came applying" misuses the verb form. Ensure correct grammatical structure by using "came to apply" or "arrived applying" when trying to convey the action of applying after arriving.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "came applying" functions as a verb phrase attempting to describe the action of arriving with the intention of applying. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction is not grammatically sound, and is considered incorrect.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science & Research
33%
Wiki
12%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
7%
Formal & Business
7%
Science
6%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "came applying" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and is rarely used in standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as a non-standard expression that might confuse readers. While it appears in some sources, opting for alternatives like "arrived to apply" or "came to submit an application" will provide more clarity and grammatical correctness. It's important to prioritize clear and precise language, especially in formal contexts. Thus, it's best to avoid this phrase.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
arrived to apply
Replaces the combined verb with a clearer sequence of arriving and then applying.
came to submit an application
Specifies the purpose of arrival as submitting an application, making the intent explicit.
applied after arriving
Indicates the sequence of events more directly than the original phrase.
submitted an application upon arrival
Formalizes the action, suggesting a completed submission immediately following arrival.
was applying when they came
Shifts the focus to an ongoing application process that coincided with someone's arrival.
approached to apply
Implies a proactive movement towards the act of applying.
attended to apply
Suggests presence was specifically for the purpose of application.
showed up to apply
Similar to 'arrived', but with a slightly more casual tone.
presented themselves to apply
Highlights the act of presenting oneself for the application process.
made an appearance to apply
Emphasizes the act of showing up with the intent to apply.
FAQs
What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "came applying"?
Instead of "came applying", consider using phrases like "arrived to apply" or "came to submit an application" for clarity.
Is "came applying" considered standard English?
No, "came applying" is not considered standard English. It's better to use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "arrived to apply".
How can I use "apply" correctly in a sentence about arriving?
To correctly use "apply" in a sentence about arriving, you might say "He "arrived and applied"" or "He "came to apply"".
What are some similar phrases to "came applying" that are more widely accepted?
Acceptable alternatives to "came applying" include "arrived seeking to apply" or "showed up to apply", depending on the context.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested