came to apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of submitting an application or expressing interest in a position or opportunity. Example: "After much consideration, I finally came to apply for the job I had been thinking about for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

All good things should be abundant, and they should be free.He came to apply that principle to books, too.

The Economist

The name also came to apply to all non-native Liberians, even those freed blacks who had arrived from America.

The New York Times

The English, however, came to apply exclusively to the Hollanders the term Dutch, which previously they had applied to all German speakers (from German Deutsch, Dutch Duits).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the empire (after 27 bc), it was regularly adopted by the ruler as a forename and gradually came to apply to his office.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I turned to my partner and said: 'I want a kid.' He replied: 'Me too' and that was how we came to apply to adopt".

The Guardian

It was, he says, "an extraordinary university", and when the opportunity came to apply for the job of vice-chancellor in 2007, he seized it with both hands.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Port Authority officials have defended DiBono's work -- at least when it came to applying fireproofing.

The New York Times - Magazine

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".

The Guardian

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.

The Guardian

And when it came to applying this idea years later, they had little trouble.

Science Magazine

I recently had a client tell me that she wished "confidence was off the table," when it came to applying for a job.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came to apply" when you want to emphasize the process or transition of something being used in a specific way or context over time. For instance, "The term samurai came to apply to all members of the warrior class."

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "came to apply" can make writing sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "began to use" or "started implementing" for variety and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came to apply" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition in the application of a concept, term, or principle. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable. For example, "The term samurai "came to apply" to all the members of the warrior class".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science & Research

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "came to apply" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that describes how something began to be used in a particular way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression. It’s most commonly found in news, encyclopedia, and scientific contexts, signifying a neutral register. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "began to be used" to maintain clarity and variety. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the gradual or evolutionary adoption of a term or principle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to use

Focuses on the initiation of use rather than the act of applying, indicating a beginning.

began to utilize

Emphasizes the act of using something practically or functionally.

decided to use

Emphasizes the decision-making process before using something.

turned to implementing

Highlights the shift towards putting a plan or system into effect.

resorted to employing

Implies using something as a means of achieving a particular end, often when other options have failed.

opted to employ

Highlights a deliberate choice to make use of something for a purpose.

chose to implement

Focuses on the selection and execution of a plan or method.

moved towards using

Suggests a progression or shift in direction toward using something.

embraced the use of

Highlights a welcoming or enthusiastic adoption of something new.

adopted the practice of

Implies the start of a regular way of doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "came to apply" in a sentence?

You can use "came to apply" to describe how a term, principle, or method started being used in a certain way. For example, "The name eventually "came to apply" specifically to the land between Lake Geneva on the north and the Isère River on the south".

What are some alternatives to "came to apply"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "began to be used", "started to apply", or "became applicable". For example, instead of "the same principles "came to apply"", you could say "the same principles "began to be used"".

Is there a difference between "came to apply" and "started to apply"?

"Came to apply" often implies a gradual or evolutionary process, while "started to apply" suggests a more immediate or intentional beginning. Consider the nuance you want to convey when choosing between the two.

Which is better, "came to apply" or "began to apply"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "came to apply" suggests a natural evolution or gradual adoption. "Began to apply" might imply a more deliberate or planned implementation. The better choice depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.