software application

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "software application" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to a computer program or piece of software. For example, "The new software application makes it easier than ever to design websites".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Q: What QR code mobile software application do you recommend?

The New York Times

An inaccurate software application could still be useful, Dr. Nahamoo said.

The New York Times - Tech

If you had just 12 hours, could you build a software application to save the world?

The Guardian

In 1999 the E.P.O. board of appeal granted I.B.M. a patent for a software application with no clear technical nature.

The New York Times

Users download a software application over the Internet that enables them to feed photos from a computer to Webshots.com.com

The New York Times - Travel

"Some flights are experiencing an issue with a software application on pilot iPads," American Airlines said in a statement.

The Guardian - Tech

The service, which PayPal has tested for much of the last year, requires users to download a software application.

The New York Times - Tech

When you're designing a software application, perhaps ask yourself how you would secure it if it were a physical item.

The Guardian - Tech

He described HelloWallet as "a technology-based financial guidance software application".

The New York Times

Illustrator, Adobe's first software application, was released in 1987 for the Apple Macintosh.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another issue for businesses, Mr. Hurd said, is software application modernization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about software, be specific about the type of "software application" you're referring to (e.g., mobile app, web application) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "software application" when you actually mean "operating system". The operating system (like Windows or macOS) is the underlying system that supports the running of "software applications".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "software application" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific type of computer program designed for end-users. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "software application" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a specific type of computer program. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable term in written English. Its function is to identify and categorize programs for end-users, serving a descriptive purpose in various contexts, including science, news, and business. While the term is versatile, being specific about the kind of "software application" enhances clarity. Common errors involve confusing it with operating systems. Semantically related phrases, like "computer program" and "mobile app", offer alternative ways to express the same concept, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

application software

Reorders the words but keeps the core meaning.

software program

Uses "program" instead of "application" but retains the same core meaning.

computer software

Emphasizes that it is software for a computer.

computer program

Refers more broadly to any set of instructions executable by a computer, slightly less specific than a "software application".

program

Is a more generic term that describes a set of instructions that performs a specific task. Not as specific as "software application".

mobile app

Specifically refers to applications designed for mobile devices like smartphones or tablets, narrowing the scope of "software application".

desktop application

Specifies that the application runs on a desktop computer, further defining the type of "software application".

web application

Indicates that the application is accessed via a web browser, providing a different access method for a "software application".

software solution

Highlights that the software solves a specific problem.

digital tool

Implies a practical function, similar to an application.

FAQs

How do I use "software application" in a sentence?

You can use "software application" to describe a specific program designed for a particular purpose, like "The new accounting "software application" has streamlined our financial processes".

What is the difference between "software application" and "software program"?

While often used interchangeably, "software application" typically implies a more user-focused program designed for end-users, whereas "software program" can refer to any executable code. Both terms are very similar in meaning.

What are some examples of "software applications"?

Examples of "software applications" include word processors, web browsers, mobile apps, and database management systems. These are all designed to perform specific tasks for users.

Can I use "app" instead of "software application"?

Yes, "app" is an acceptable abbreviation for "software application", especially in informal contexts, particularly when referring to mobile applications.