only applied for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only applied for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that an application was made for a particular position, program, or opportunity, and no other applications were submitted. Example: "I only applied for the internship at the tech company because it aligns with my career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

I only applied for silk because a colleague just kept on at me – she literally wouldn't let me not do it.

The Guardian

But Kwoyelo, who was in a shell-shocked stupor, refused to coöperate, and only applied for amnesty six months later, after being persuaded by his family.

The New Yorker

Protective custody was only applied for a short term in all those cases where the matter was not ready to be brought to the court.

Yale University

It passed once in 2013 as part of a deal to raise the debt ceiling, but it only applied for one year and wasn't brought for a vote in subsequent years.

The Washington Post

One commentator put it, "Could you watch Miss White talking about depressions over Iceland and absorb what she was saying?" White had only applied for the job "as a lark", she said, adding, "The pay is pretty poor, you know".

Independent

Pfizer, the company that makes palbociclib, which is sold under the brand name Ibrance, only applied for a European licence last August, even though it was licensed for sale in the US in February 2015 and has been prescribed for 27,000 women.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

They will only apply for 2019.

The Guardian

You only apply for admission to MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students can only apply for this award once in Australia.

Cornell University

You cannot currently retire from the House of Lords – you can only apply for a leave of absence.

The Guardian

This only applies for water actually percolating through the filters and not for the overflow.

Ecological Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only applied for", ensure it's clear what the subject did not apply for. This helps create a sharper contrast and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands the limitations implied by "only applied for". Clearly state the context and what was applied for to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only applied for" functions as a verb phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying that an action (applying) was limited to a single instance or purpose. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. The examples confirm its role in limiting the scope of an application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only applied for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that serves to specify and restrict the scope of an application. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. It is particularly frequent in scientific and news media contexts, where clarity and precision are valued. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the limitations it implies are clear to the audience, and prevent misunderstanding. Alternatives like "applied solely for" or "exclusively applied to" can further emphasize the exclusivity of the application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applied solely for

Emphasizes exclusivity; the application was made for this and nothing else.

exclusively applied to

Highlights that the application was specifically directed towards this particular thing.

applied uniquely for

Suggests a one-time or distinct application for a particular purpose.

applied just for

Indicates that the application was limited to the specified item or purpose.

applied particularly for

Focuses on the specific nature of the application's target.

applied specifically for

Highlights the targeted nature of the application.

applied singularly for

Emphasizes the single, isolated instance of applying.

applied restricted to

Indicates limitations on what the application covers.

limited application to

Focuses on restricting the scope of the application to a specific area.

application confined to

Stresses the narrow scope within which the application is relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "only applied for" to indicate that someone submitted an application for a specific thing and nothing else. For example, "I "only applied for" the scholarship and didn't consider any other funding options."

What's a synonym for "only applied for"?

Similar phrases include "applied solely for", "exclusively applied to", or "applied just for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "only applied for" or "applied only for"?

Both "only applied for" and "applied only for" are grammatically correct, but "only applied for" is generally more common and natural-sounding in contemporary English. The difference in meaning is negligible.

What does "only applied for" imply?

It implies that no other applications were submitted or considered. It highlights the selective nature of the application process, focusing the reader's attention on the single specific item or purpose for which an application was made.