must apply for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must apply for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a requirement or necessity to submit an application for something, such as a job, program, or permit. Example: "To be considered for the scholarship, you must apply for it by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writers must apply for admission.

The New York Times

San Jose residents must apply for a permit.

The New York Times

Candidates must apply for admission online.

Cornell University

Must apply for placement in course.

Columbia University

Groups must apply for funding in advance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students must apply for both programs separately.

Stanford University

The business must apply for the money by Dec. 31.

The New York Times

Unlike Wikipedia, users must apply for editing privileges.

The New York Times

He must apply for a one-month permit.

The Guardian

Organizations must apply for participation in the program, Twitter said.

The Washington Post

Applicants must apply for aid at that office.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must apply for" when emphasizing a mandatory requirement, particularly in formal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "must apply for" in casual conversations. Instead, use phrases like "need to" or "have to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must apply for" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity. It indicates that submitting an application is a mandatory action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must apply for" is a modal verb phrase that signifies a mandatory action of submitting an application. Ludwig AI validates its common and correct usage across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and formal business communications. While grammatically sound, it's essential to calibrate the tone, favoring alternatives like "need to apply for" in informal settings. Always ensure clarity regarding what the subject is applying for. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "must apply for" to convey necessary actions appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are required to apply for

Formal alternative emphasizing obligation.

have to apply for

Informal equivalent expressing obligation.

need to apply for

Suggests necessity, slightly less forceful.

are obliged to apply for

Very formal, highlighting a legal or contractual duty.

should apply for

Indicates a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

it is necessary to apply for

Emphasizes the importance of the application.

application is mandatory for

Shifts focus to the application itself being compulsory.

it is essential to apply for

Highlights the critical importance of applying.

submission is required for

Focuses on the act of submitting an application.

one must submit an application for

Formal and impersonal restatement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "must apply for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "are required to apply for", "are obliged to apply for", or "it is necessary to apply for". The phrase "are required to apply for" emphasizes the mandatory nature of the application.

What is a less forceful way to say "must apply for"?

If you want to soften the tone, consider using "should apply for" or "need to apply for". "Should apply for" indicates a recommendation, while "need to apply for" suggests a necessity that is not as strict.

Is there a more casual alternative to "must apply for"?

In informal settings, "have to apply for" is a suitable substitute. For example, instead of "You must apply for the permit", you can say "have to apply for" the permit.

What's the difference between "must apply for" and "can apply for"?

"Must apply for" indicates a mandatory requirement, meaning the action is necessary. In contrast, "can apply for" suggests an option or possibility, meaning the action is permitted but not required.