had applied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had applied" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action of applying occurred before another action in the past. Example: "By the time the deadline arrived, she had applied to several universities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He had applied two times before.

The New York Times

plan for which we had applied.

The New York Times - Magazine

They had applied for the privilege.

The New York Times - Magazine

I had applied to Babson early action.

Harvard University

The F.A.A. refused to say which airlines had applied.

The New York Times

He was told that he had applied too late.

The New York Times

He had applied for many jobs, but without success.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Miliband subsequently denied the US had applied such pressure.

The Guardian

I asked if he had applied to Madison yet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Should she have applied?

The Guardian - Music

I've applied everywhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had applied" to clearly indicate that the application occurred before a specific point in the past, establishing a sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "had applied" when referring to a current or future action. Ensure the context clearly indicates a past action completed before another point in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had applied" functions as a past perfect verb phrase, indicating an action that was completed before another action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had applied" is a past perfect verb phrase used to indicate an action of applying that occurred before another event in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, academic, and science contexts. When writing, remember to use "had applied" to establish a clear sequence of events, avoiding its use for current or future actions. Semantically related alternatives include "submitted" and "made an application", each with slight differences in formality and emphasis. In summary, understanding the proper tense and context will ensure accurate and effective use of "had applied" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made an application

Rephrases the action using a noun, adding a layer of formality.

submitted

Focuses on the act of handing in something for consideration, differing slightly in formality.

requested

Highlights the asking aspect, suitable when the context involves a formal request.

lodged

Implies a formal submission, often used in legal or official contexts.

filed

Suggests a formal record or submission, common in legal or bureaucratic settings.

put in for

An informal way to say someone applied for something, changing the tone.

registered

Indicates an official enrollment or recording, shifting the emphasis to documentation.

sought

Emphasizes the seeking or requesting aspect, implying a proactive approach.

enrolled

Implies signing up for a course, program, or membership.

signed up for

An informal way of saying someone registered or enrolled in something.

FAQs

How do I use "had applied" in a sentence?

Use "had applied" to show that the act of applying happened before another event in the past. For example: "She "had applied" for the job before she knew about the new management".

What can I say instead of "had applied"?

You can use alternatives like "submitted", "made an application", or "put in for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has applied" instead of "had applied"?

No, "has applied" refers to the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present or has relevance to the present. "Had applied" refers to the past perfect tense, indicating an action completed before another action in the past.

What's the difference between "applied" and "had applied"?

"Applied" indicates a simple past action, while "had applied" indicates that the action of applying happened before another action in the past. The past perfect provides a more specific sequence of events.