i applied

USAGE SUMMARY

"I applied" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to indicate that the speaker or writer has taken action or put forth effort towards achieving a goal or obtaining something. Example: "I applied for a job at the marketing firm last week and I'm waiting to hear back from them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So I applied.

The New Yorker

That's where I applied.

The New York Times

Still, I applied.

The New York Times

I applied CPR again.

The New York Times - Sports

And I applied.

The New York Times

I applied to four colleges.

The New York Times

I applied the plumber's tape.

The New York Times

I applied to graduate school.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

How do I apply?

Independent

Why should I apply?

The Guardian

Can I apply?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I applied", ensure the context clearly indicates what you applied for (e.g., "I applied for the job", "I applied to several universities").

Common error

Avoid using "I applied" without specifying the object of application. Saying "I applied" without context leaves the reader wondering what you applied for, which reduces clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I applied" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker or writer has taken the action of submitting an application. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used and understood. The numerous examples provided showcase its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I applied" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that an individual has formally requested or sought something, such as a job, program, or opportunity. Ludwig confirms its widespread usability in various contexts. While primarily used in News & Media and Academic settings, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse situations. For more formal communication, alternatives like "I submitted my application" may be preferred. When using "I applied", clarity is key; always specify what you applied for to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i submitted my application

Replaces "applied" with a more formal term and specifies the action of submitting an application.

i put in my application

Uses a more casual phrasing, emphasizing the act of entering an application into consideration.

i filed my application

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

i registered

Suitable when applying involves a registration process.

i enrolled

Specific to applying for courses or programs.

i sought

A more formal way of saying one tried to obtain something.

i expressed interest

Highlights the initial act of showing interest, rather than completing a formal application.

i signed up

An informal expression for registering or applying.

i requested

Focuses on making a formal request for something.

i went for

A colloquial way of saying one pursued or applied for something.

FAQs

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

Use "I applied" to indicate that you have formally requested or sought something, such as a job, program, or opportunity. For example, "I applied for a scholarship" or "I applied to several graduate schools".

What's a more formal alternative to "I applied"?

More formal alternatives include "I submitted my application" or "I filed my application", especially in professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "I applied" in a casual context?

In a casual context, you could use phrases like "I put in my application" or "I signed up".

Which is correct: "I applied for" or "I applied to"?

Both "I applied for" and "I applied to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I applied for" is used for opportunities or positions (e.g., "I applied for a job"). "I applied to" is used for institutions or organizations (e.g., "I applied to Harvard").