technically apply for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "technically apply for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the formal process of submitting an application, particularly when there are specific conditions or qualifications involved. Example: "You can technically apply for the scholarship even if you don't meet all the requirements, but it's not guaranteed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The WP29 press release also notes that EU law affords "everyone a right to data protection" — which sounds like a shot across Google's bows, since it could mean a non-European resident could technically apply for personal data to be de-listed by a search engine.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The First Amendment may technically apply only to Americans, but its underlying principle is the foundation for individual liberty everywhere.

Huffington Post

And, in those rare instances when the bill's best interest standard would technically apply, retirement savers would have no means of holding advisers accountable for meeting that standard.

Huffington Post

The details of the dispute are complicated and arcane, and technically apply to just a small slice of the uninsured -- those who have recently lost their jobs -- for a limited period.

The New York Times

"That statute doesn't technically apply to the president.

Forbes

If you are a biomedical scientist with a faculty position, you technically qualify to apply for an NIH research grant.

Science Magazine

UAE officials said on Wednesday that he was arrested for possessing alcohol, but the ban on alcohol which technically applies even to tourists buying alcohol in Dubai's opulent hotels is not usually enforced.

The Economist

While the term technically applies to anyone who steals from a drunken person, most police officers reserve it for a special kind of thief who uses straight-edge razors found in any hardware store.

The New York Times

This term technically applies to a single thunderstorm with one main updraft.

Wikipedia

The appeals court decision Thursday technically applies only to the Umpqua Basin sales, but federal officials said it would likely set the standard for all future logging sales under the Northwest Forest Plan.

Los Angeles Times

On Saturday, the country's fifth-largest banking group, Resona Holdings, said that it was technically insolvent and would apply for public funds to shore up its balance sheet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "technically apply for" when you want to highlight that someone meets the minimum requirements to apply, even if their chances of success are slim or certain conditions must be met.

Common error

Avoid using "technically apply for" in casual conversations where a more straightforward phrase like "apply for" would suffice. Overusing "technically" can make your communication sound overly formal or pedantic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technically apply for" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It modifies the action of applying, indicating that the act is permissible or feasible within a specific set of rules or conditions. Ludwig provides examples showing that EU law affords everyone data protection to "technically apply for" personal data to be de-listed by a search engine.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "technically apply for" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that suggests an application meets the basic formal requirements, even if success isn't guaranteed or specific conditions must be met. According to Ludwig, this phrase can be used to highlight the formal eligibility to apply under caveats or limitations. While seen across various contexts like News & Media, Science, and Wiki, it’s best suited for neutral to professional registers where precise language is valued. Ludwig's analysis and the examples highlight its usage in situations where the formal process of application is being emphasized, rather than the certainty of approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formally request

Emphasizes the official nature of the request, removing the conditional aspect.

officially seek

Highlights the authorized process of seeking something, omitting the nuanced 'technically'.

be eligible to apply

Focuses on meeting the criteria for application, rather than the act of applying itself.

be qualified to request

Centers on the qualifications needed to make a request, differing from the act of applying.

be entitled to seek

Stresses the right or entitlement to seek something, shifting the emphasis from the application process.

be permitted to apply

Highlights the permission aspect, where the emphasis is more on the allowance to apply.

be authorized to request

Focuses on the authorization needed before requesting, changing the emphasis.

have the option to apply

Stresses the optional aspect of applying, rather than the formal process.

nominally apply

Similar but indicates that application might be just in name, without real effect.

conditionally apply

Indicates an application is dependent on certain conditions being met, emphasizing contingency.

FAQs

What does "technically apply for" mean?

The phrase "technically apply for" indicates that someone meets the basic or formal requirements to submit an application, even if their overall qualifications are weak or certain conditions haven't been fully satisfied. It emphasizes the procedural correctness rather than the likelihood of success.

When is it appropriate to use "technically apply for" in a sentence?

Use "technically apply for" when you want to emphasize the formal eligibility to apply, especially when there are caveats or limitations. For instance, someone might "technically apply for" a grant even if they don't meet all the preferred criteria.

What are some alternatives to "technically apply for"?

You can use alternatives like "formally request", "officially seek", or "be eligible to apply" depending on the specific context. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize formality, official status, or eligibility.

How does "technically apply for" differ from simply saying "apply for"?

"Technically apply for" adds a nuance of formality or a condition that might not guarantee success. Simply saying "apply for" is a more general statement about the act of submitting an application, without implying any specific limitations or formal considerations.