ENGLISH
REFERENCE

apply for sth

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. To make a formal request for something, like a job, a passport, or a place at a university.

phr. v.. To make a formal, usually written, request for something, such as a job, a loan, or a position.


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.

Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
apply + for + object
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.

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