file an application to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "file an application to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of submitting a formal request or application to an authority or organization. Example: "I need to file an application to obtain a permit for my new business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Watson, winner of the 1982 United States Open at Pebble Beach, did not file an application to enter the 36-hole sectional qualifying for the 101st Open scheduled for June 14 to 17 in Tulsa, Okla.

The New York Times - Sports

One or both of the prosecutors met in the summer of 1977 with Judge Rittenband, who is now deceased, after Mr. Gunson told them he intended to file an application to disqualify the judge because of misconduct, according to the petition's account.

The New York Times

The company isn't ready to file an application to sell Provenge with the Food and Drug Administration, and won't be until November.

Forbes

He believes that governments should be more forthcoming with putting more information in the public domain anyway, so people don't have to file an application to get it.

BBC

Square will file an application to become an industrial loan company (also referred to as industrial banks) with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

TechCrunch

Companies looking to sell shares in Hong Kong would have to appoint a sponsor at least two months before they file an application to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

IBM, for example, consistently one of the global leaders in patent filings, recently filed an application to create a unique system for protecting its patents.

Forbes

An Illinois woman has filed an application to trademark the now-famous rallying cry associated with the death of Eric Garner.

Huffington Post

Last month, Frontline filed an application to participate in the auction.

The New York Times

Not long ago, a local sex business in Amsterdam filed an application to open a "relax club" at the airport.

The New York Times

Maloof said that filing an application to relocate was "not something we're thinking about".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "file an application to", ensure that the receiving entity is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example: "File an application to the local council".

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "file an application". It is more appropriate to say "file an application to" an organization or authority, rather than "file an application with" when introducing the entity receiving the application. However, using "file an application with" is correct when indicating the documents required for application, as in "file an application with supporting documents".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "file an application to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally submitting a request. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in contexts related to submitting requests to organizations and authorities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "file an application to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of formally submitting a request. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for a neutral register and finds frequent usage in contexts such as news, science, and general informational writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the entity receiving the application. While alternatives like "submit a request for" or "make an application for" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: presenting a formal request for consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an application for

Employs "make" instead of "file", offering a slightly less formal tone.

submit a request for

Replaces "application" with "request" and uses "submit" instead of "file".

send in an application to

Substitutes "file" with "send in", suggesting a physical submission.

present an application to

Replaces "file" with "present", implying a more formal submission.

lodge an application with

Uses "lodge" as a more formal synonym for "file" and "with" instead of "to".

register an application with

Suggests an application is being formally recorded, replacing "file" with "register".

put in a request for

Uses "put in" to replace "file", and changes "application" to "request" for informality.

enter an application for

Uses "enter" to mean submitting an application, often used when applying to contests or programs.

process an application to

Focuses on the action of dealing with an application, rather than the initial act of filing.

tender an application to

Uses "tender" as a more formal and less common synonym for "file".

FAQs

What does "file an application to" mean?

The phrase "file an application to" means to officially submit a formal request or document to a specific organization or authority. It indicates the act of presenting an application for consideration.

What are some alternatives to "file an application to"?

You can use alternatives like "submit a request for", "make an application for", or "lodge an application with" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "file an application with" instead of "file an application to"?

While "file an application to" is generally used when referring to the recipient organization, "file an application with" is acceptable when specifying the included documents or details, such as "file an application with supporting documents". However, using "to" is more precise when indicating the target of the application.

How can I use "file an application to" in a sentence?

Example usage: "You must "file an application to" the Department of Immigration before your visa expires." or "The company will "file an application to" the FDA for drug approval next month."