had been applying for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been applying for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an ongoing action in the past, particularly when referring to job applications or similar contexts. Example: "She had been applying for various positions for months before finally landing an interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

She had been applying for the past six months.

The New York Times - Magazine

They said he had been applying for jobs out of) the state.

The New York Times

Iskhakova said Saipov had been applying for a green card when she knew him.

The Guardian

I told her that I had been applying for jobs to which I was suited in skills.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Ng, a computer engineer with no criminal record, overstayed a visa years ago and had been applying for a green card through his wife, a United States citizen, when he was swept into the detention system in July 2007.

The New York Times

One evening toward the end of grad school, he realized that when people asked about his plans, he mostly talked about the startup he was going to launch rather than all the faculty jobs he had been applying for.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Only some 160 permits had been applied for by the scheme's deadline.

The Guardian

He also told the court that legal aid had been applied for.

The Guardian

His lawyer, Keith Allen, told the court legal aid had been applied for.

BBC

MIF had been applied for deriving theories for laminated composite thick rectangular plates.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

A unique CPT code had been applied for through the American Medical Association AMAA) CPT back in 2011.

Applied Health Economics and Health Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been applying for" to describe a continuous action in the past, indicating an effort to obtain something over a period of time. For example, "She had been applying for jobs for six months before getting an offer."

Common error

Avoid using "had been applying for" when referring to a single, completed action in the past. Instead, use "applied for". For example, don't say "She had been applying for the job yesterday"; say "She applied for the job yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been applying for" functions as a past perfect continuous verb phrase. It describes an action that was in progress before another point in the past. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been applying for" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a continuous action in the past, indicating an ongoing effort to obtain something. Ludwig's examples show it's often used in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While not extremely frequent, it's a valuable phrase for expressing persistence over time. Consider alternatives like "had sought" or "had requested" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is valid and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had made an application for

Formal restatement, emphasizing the application process.

had submitted an application for

Stresses the act of officially handing in an application.

had put in for

Highlights the act of submitting an application or request, often in a more informal or colloquial context.

had sought

Emphasizes the act of searching or looking for something, often implying a formal or determined effort.

had been requesting

Similar to "had been applying for" but focuses specifically on making requests.

had requested

Focuses on the act of formally asking for something, typically a service, item, or permission.

had shown interest in

Suggests a preliminary stage of expressing interest before a formal application.

had expressed interest in

Similar to "had shown interest in", emphasizing a verbal or written expression of interest.

had canvassed for

Implies actively seeking or soliciting something, such as votes or support.

had tendered for

Suggests a formal bidding process, often in a business or governmental context.

FAQs

How do I use "had been applying for" in a sentence?

Use "had been applying for" to describe a continuous effort in the past to obtain something. For instance, "He had been applying for numerous positions before finally receiving a job offer."

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

"Had applied for" indicates a completed action, while "had been applying for" suggests an ongoing process in the past. For example, "She "had applied for" the job" means she completed the application process at some point. "She had been applying for jobs" implies a continuous effort over time.

What can I say instead of "had been applying for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "had sought", "had requested", or "had submitted an application for".

Is "had been applying for" formal or informal?

The phrase "had been applying for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.