legally apply for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legally apply for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the formal process of submitting an application that is recognized by law, such as for a visa, permit, or license. Example: "To work in this country, you must legally apply for a work visa before starting your job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Once the eight Cubans set foot on United States soil, they can legally apply for political asylum.

The New York Times

Children under the age of 18 cannot legally apply for their own credit cards, but parents can co-sign for them.

The New York Times

"You had to be 16 to legally apply for a job in Virginia.

BBC

At the time, only married couples could legally apply for second-parent adoptions in the state.

Vice

Imagine waiting in a D.M.V. line for twenty years, and you'll begin to comprehend what people who legally apply for immigration regularly face.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Kosolapov said by telephone that he was a director for Island Air Systems, but that the company had legally applied for the certificate to charter regional flights out of Mauritius, an island nation, and was not engaged in weapons trafficking.

The New York Times

Some migrants legally applying for benefits such as the DACA programme were worried about providing family details lest they be used in a deportation drive, he said, while he "had at least two people ask me if they should continue to file taxes because of this".

The Guardian

In 2006, Rowe legally applied for her access to her two children to be reinstated and subsequently reached an agreement with Jackson.

Wikipedia

Nor would he give them a leg up on foreigners who come legally and apply for a green card, which offers permanent resident status.

Forbes

He was granted a yearlong continuance last May and is able to work legally and apply for a driver's license.

Huffington Post

Earlier this year Enfield applied to the government to be the first area in the country to legally apply a spitting ban.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legally apply for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being applied for and the legal basis for the application. For example, specify the type of permit, visa, or status being sought.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the ability to "legally apply for" something guarantees approval. Meeting the minimum legal requirements for application does not ensure that the application will be granted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally apply for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally requesting something (like a permit, visa, or benefit) in accordance with the law. Ludwig shows examples in varied legal contexts, such as immigration, employment, and adoption.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legally apply for" is a phrase used to describe the act of submitting a formal application in compliance with legal requirements. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. It's important to remember that while being able to "legally apply for" something means one meets the basic requirements, it does not guarantee approval. Related phrases include "officially apply for" and "formally request", which offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. When writing, ensure clarity regarding the specific application and its legal basis, and be aware of the potential for misunderstanding eligibility versus approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially apply for

Replaces "legally" with "officially", emphasizing the formal nature of the application process, but removes the legality aspect.

formally request

Substitutes "apply" with "request" and "legally" with "formally", focusing on making a formal request rather than specifically an application.

submit an application legally

Reorders the phrase, placing emphasis on the submission of the application and modifying it with 'legally'.

make a legal application

Changes the structure to emphasize the application being legal rather than the act of applying.

lawfully seek

Replaces "apply for" with "seek", highlighting the action of seeking something in a lawful manner.

be eligible to apply for

Focuses on eligibility as a prerequisite to applying, adding a conditional aspect.

qualify to apply for

Similar to 'be eligible to apply for' focusing on whether someone meets requirements before applying.

entitled to apply for

Highlights the right or entitlement to apply for something legally.

have the legal right to apply for

Emphasizes the legal entitlement to apply, adding more formality and explicitness.

be authorized to apply for

Highlights the permission or authorization aspect of applying, suggesting a grant of authority.

FAQs

What does it mean to "legally apply for" something?

To "legally apply for" something means to submit an application in accordance with the laws and regulations that govern that specific application process. This implies that the applicant meets the basic legal requirements to be considered for the application.

Is there a difference between "legally apply for" and "officially apply for"?

While both phrases suggest a formal application process, "legally apply for" emphasizes adherence to legal requirements and eligibility. "Officially apply for" focuses more on the formality and authorized nature of the application, regardless of strict legal eligibility. While overlapping in many contexts, the nuance differs.

What are some situations where someone might need to "legally apply for" something?

Individuals might need to "legally apply for" various documents or statuses, such as a work visa, political asylum, a driver's license, permits to conduct specific activities, or even financial aid, provided they meet the legal prerequisites.

If I "legally apply for" something, does that guarantee I will get it?

No, "legally applying for" something does not guarantee approval. It only means that you meet the minimum legal requirements to be considered. The application will still be assessed based on other criteria and may be denied even if you are legally eligible to apply.