they applied for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they applied for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a formal request for something, such as a job, grant, or admission to a program. Example: "They applied for a scholarship to help fund their education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They applied for college.

The Guardian

They applied for passports.

The New York Times

They applied for political asylum.

The New York Times

Last year they applied for a zoning variance.

The New York Times

They applied for stimulus money, but were turned down.

The New York Times

They applied for an exit visa in 1978.

The Economist

They could not return to China, so they applied for political asylum.

The New York Times

Royal Mail's employees will also receive additional shares they applied for up to £10,000.

The Guardian

Three years ago they applied for a licence and were turned away.

The Guardian

They applied for Canadian permanent residency in 2006 and and now live in British Columbia.

The Guardian

They applied for a new licence once again in November 2014.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language to avoid repetition. Consider synonyms like "they requested" or "they sought" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "they applied" without specifying what they applied for. The phrase requires a direct object to be clear; otherwise, it leaves the reader wondering what the application was for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they applied for" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a group (denoted by "they") made a formal request or submission for something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they applied for" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that a group has formally requested something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. The phrase is predominantly found in News & Media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's best practice to specify what "they" applied for to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrases like "they requested" or "they sought" to vary your language. Avoiding vague constructions is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they requested

Focuses on the act of making a request, without specifying the format or context of the application.

they sought

Emphasizes the pursuit or search for something, implying a proactive effort to obtain it.

they put in for

Informal way of saying they submitted an application or request.

they filed for

Suggests a formal submission, often related to legal or official processes.

they bid for

Implies a competitive offer or proposal, typically in a business or auction context.

they canvassed for

Highlights an active and thorough effort to obtain support or resources.

they registered for

Emphasizes the act of enrolling or signing up for something, often a program or event.

they auditioned for

Specific to performing arts, referring to a performance to secure a role.

they competed for

Highlights the competitive aspect of trying to obtain something.

they tendered for

Signifies a formal offer or proposal, often in a business or governmental context.

FAQs

How to use "they applied for" in a sentence?

Use "they applied for" to indicate that a group of people formally requested something. For example, "They applied for a loan" or "They applied for political asylum".

What can I say instead of "they applied for"?

You can use alternatives like "they requested", "they sought", or "they submitted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they applied" without specifying what they applied for?

While grammatically correct, it's better to specify what "they" applied for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, say "They applied for a job" instead of just "They applied".

What's the difference between "they applied for" and "they registered for"?

"They applied for" suggests a formal request where approval is needed, such as for a grant or job. "They registered for" indicates enrollment or signing up for something, like a class or event. For example, you "apply for" a scholarship but "register for" a course.