apply for sth
phrasal verb.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.
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.
Typically followed by the thing you want, such as a job, a visa, a loan, or a position.
Contrast 'apply for' (requesting a thing) with 'apply to' (submitting an application to an institution, e.g., 'apply to a university').
I want to apply a job.I want to apply for a job.The preposition 'for' is required to introduce the thing being requested.
Last updated April 24, 2026