have been applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been applying" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an ongoing action that started in the past and continues to the present, often in the context of job applications or other submissions. Example: "I have been applying for various positions in the tech industry for the past few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have been applying our old principles to new circumstances.

The New York Times

It seems that bankers have been applying higher credit standards only to their lowest-rated customers.

The New York Times

While inside the locker room, Venus Williams must have been applying a hard stare.

The New York Times - Sports

He said Garzón should have been applying the brakes 4km before he reached the bend.

The Guardian

We rarely take on applicants who have been applying for numerous years".

The Guardian

Women and minority candidates have been applying for those top jobs, in some cases getting shortlisted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Muslim associations have been applying for an intesa since 2000, but still haven't received one.

The Washington Post

Scholars have been applying comparative-effectiveness research to Medicare for years, and the verdict is not altogether pretty.

The New York Times

"She fell pregnant with me when she would have been applying for uni, but chose to have me instead.

The Guardian - Music

"The jobs I have been applying for have been any job I can get hold off supermarkets, sales, anything".

The Guardian - Business

They have been applying their intellect to the problem, and tweaking and changing it to fit the times.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been applying", ensure the context clearly indicates a continuous or repeated action that started in the past and is still ongoing. For instance, "Researchers have been applying this method for several years" accurately reflects this continuous application.

Common error

Avoid using "have been applying" when the action is completed or happened only once. Instead, use "applied". For example, instead of "I have been applying the solution yesterday", use "I applied the solution yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been applying" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing or repeated action that started in the past and continues to the present. It describes a process or activity that is not yet completed. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this continuous aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been applying" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into the present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, it conveys ongoing effort or continuous engagement. To ensure clarity, use it to accurately reflect continuous or repeated actions and avoid using it for completed single-time actions. Alternatives like "have utilized" or "have implemented" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have utilized

Emphasizes the use of something for a specific purpose, similar to applying a method or principle.

have employed

Highlights the active use of a particular strategy or technique.

have implemented

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect, similar to applying a set of rules or guidelines.

have engaged in

Indicates active participation in a process or activity.

have made use of

Similar to utilizing, but can also imply taking advantage of an opportunity.

have put into practice

Focuses on the practical application of a theory or idea.

have exercised

Implies the use of a skill, right, or quality, particularly one that is formally conferred.

have conducted

Highlights the performance of a specific activity or experiment.

have administered

Focuses on the management and application of rules or systems.

have brought to bear

Emphasizes focusing effort or resources on a specific task or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "have been applying" in a sentence?

Use "have been applying" to describe an action that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, "I "have been applying" for jobs for three months."

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

"Have been applying" indicates a continuous action, while "applied" indicates a completed action. For example, "I "have been applying" for jobs" means you're still applying. "I applied for a job" means you already submitted your application.

What can I say instead of "have been applying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "have utilized", "have employed", or "have implemented".

Is it correct to say "I am applying" instead of "I have been applying"?

Yes, both are correct but have slightly different meanings. "I am applying" usually refers to an action happening right now, while "I "have been applying"" suggests a continuous effort over a period.