had applied for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had applied for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone submitted an application for something in the past, often in relation to jobs, schools, or programs. Example: "She had applied for the scholarship before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They had applied for the privilege.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had applied for many jobs, but without success.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Morales had applied for asylum a month earlier.

The New Yorker

They had applied for a transfer but were still on the waiting list.

The New York Times

She had applied for everything she could and was one job short of her weekly quota.

The Guardian

Worried, she had applied for another job, as an aide to the homebound elderly.

The New Yorker

By midnight 27 of the staff members had applied for the job.

The New Yorker

Though she had applied for the job, she had some qualms about taking it.

The New Yorker

Vanguard had applied for backing on nearly all of an $8 million loan.

The New York Times

In 2004, the subsidized housing she had applied for in 2000 opened in Crown Heights.

The New York Times

That's up to the court of appeals," said Ross, who had applied for bail last month.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had applied for", ensure that the context clearly specifies what was applied for. This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "had applied for" when the application is still ongoing or has not yet been submitted. In such cases, use "is applying for" or "has applied for" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had applied for" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect tense. It indicates a completed action (applying) that occurred before another point in the past. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, indicating its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had applied for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the past perfect tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate a completed application process prior to another point in the past. It's primarily found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what was applied for to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitted an application for

Focuses on the act of submitting the application itself.

put in a request for

Emphasizes the formal request aspect.

sought approval for

Highlights the seeking of approval or authorization.

requested consideration for

Emphasizes the act of asking to be considered.

lodged an application for

More formal and emphasizes the official filing of the application.

made an appeal for

Implies a more urgent or persuasive request.

expressed interest in

Indicates a general interest that led to an application.

sought to obtain

Focuses on the desired outcome of getting something.

bid for

Suggests a competitive attempt to obtain something.

enquired about

Emphasizes the initial inquiry before a formal application.

FAQs

How can I use "had applied for" in a sentence?

Use "had applied for" to indicate that someone completed an application process in the past. For example: "She "had applied for" the job before the deadline."

What is a more formal way to say "had applied for"?

A more formal alternative to "had applied for" is "had submitted an application for". This phrasing is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

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

"Had applied for" refers to an action completed in the past, while "has applied for" indicates an action completed recently and still relevant to the present. For example: "She "had applied for" the grant last year (but didn't get it)" versus "She "has applied for" the grant this year".

Can I use "had applied for" in the future perfect tense?

No, "had applied for" is already in the past perfect tense. You cannot use it in the future perfect tense. The future perfect would describe an action that will be completed by a certain time in the future.