Phrasal verb
apply for sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To make a formal request for something, like a job, a passport, or a place at a university.
phrasal verb. To make a formal, usually written, request for something, such as a job, a loan, or a position.
Examples
“He wants to apply for a new job.”
“She is filling out the forms to apply for a scholarship to study abroad.”
“After years of meticulous research, the scientist was finally ready to apply for the prestigious grant that would fund her groundbreaking experiment.”
Examples
simple
“He wants to apply for a new job.”
contextual
“She is filling out the forms to apply for a scholarship to study abroad.”
complex
“After years of meticulous research, the scientist was finally ready to apply for the prestigious grant that would fund her groundbreaking experiment.”
Usage
Typically followed by the thing you want, such as a job, a visa, a loan, or a position.
Teaching tip
Contrast 'apply for' (requesting a thing) with 'apply to' (submitting an application to an institution, e.g., 'apply to a university').
Pitfall
I want to apply a job.
I want to apply for a job.
The preposition 'for' is required to introduce the thing being requested.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
apply + for + object