formally apply for

USAGE SUMMARY

"formally apply for" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when someone has to make an official request for something, such as a job, funding, or other form of assistance. For example, you could say, "I will formally apply for the position next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mr. McGowan said Southwest had yet to formally apply for a terminal expansion.

The New York Times

6.53pm BST Coombs holds out hope for a presidential pardon, which the Manning legal team will formally apply for.

The Guardian

EasyGroup has asked us to make clear that it did not formally apply for planning permission for the Croydon store.

The Guardian - Business

However, a review of city documents indicates that Bear Stearns did not formally apply for the benefits package until Sept. 4, a week after the news conference.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the FARC uses the province of Sucumbíos, in northern Ecuador, for rest.Around 7,000 Colombians each year formally apply for refugee status in Ecuador after fleeing violence.

The Economist

Rangers manager Stuart McCall says he will have to formally apply for his own job, even if he secures promotion to the Scottish Premiership.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In 1995, AquaBounty formally applied for approval.

The New York Times

It formally applied for full membership in 1987.

The Economist

She is believed to have formally applied for an apprehended violence order against Radradra.

The Guardian - Sport

Both Albania and Iceland formally applied for EU membership in 2009.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, just 10 days after she formally applied for British citizenship, 17-year-old Budd got her passport.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formally apply for", ensure that the context involves an official process, such as applying for a job, a grant, or admission to a program. This phrase implies a structured procedure with specific requirements.

Common error

Avoid using "formally apply for" in casual situations. This phrase is best suited for scenarios requiring an official application process, not for informal requests or inquiries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally apply for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of making an official request or application. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

32%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formally apply for" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of making an official application or request. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in contexts that demand a structured and documented process. It's common in news, wiki, and science, and authoritative sources such as The New York Times and BBC often employ it. Remember to use "formally apply for" when the context necessitates an official procedure. When a less formal tone is suitable, consider using alternatives such as "submit an official application for" or "file a formal request for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submit an official application for

Emphasizes the submission of a formal document.

file a formal request for

Highlights the action of lodging a request through official channels.

officially seek

Directly indicates the act of seeking something in an official capacity.

make a formal application

Focuses on the creation and presentation of a formal application.

put in an application

A more concise and slightly less formal way of saying "apply".

register for

Suggests a formal enrollment or registration process.

enrol in

Focuses on enlisting in something officially.

seek official approval for

Highlights seeking permission or endorsement through formal means.

request authorization for

Emphasizes the need for formal permission.

initiate an application for

Focuses on the starting of the application process.

FAQs

How to use "formally apply for" in a sentence?

You can use "formally apply for" to indicate the official submission of a request, like: "Candidates must "formally apply for" the scholarship by filling out the application form".

What can I say instead of "formally apply for"?

You can use alternatives like "submit an official application for", "file a formal request for", or "officially seek" depending on the context.

When should I use "formally apply for" instead of just "apply for"?

"Formally apply for" is used when you want to emphasize the official nature of the application process, highlighting that it requires specific procedures and documentation, unlike a more casual inquiry. The term "apply for" can be used when the application is more simple.

Is it redundant to say "formally apply for"?

While "apply" often implies a formal process, using ""formally apply for"" reinforces the strict adherence to procedure and documentation required, making it useful in situations where clarity is paramount.