"applied to" vs "applied for"

Question

"applied to" vs "applied for"

Both 'applied for' and 'applied to' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Applied for' is used when referring to applying for something, like a job or a program. 'Applied to' is used when indicating the target or recipient of the application.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used when specifying the entity or organization to which the application is being submitted.

Examples:

She applied to three different universities for her undergraduate studies.
He applied to the company for a position in the marketing department.
They applied to the government for funding for their project.

Alternatives:

submitted an application to
sent an application to
requested admission to

This phrase is used when talking about applying for a job, a program, a grant, or any other opportunity.

Examples:

She applied for a job at the new company.
He applied for a scholarship to study abroad.
They applied for a grant to fund their research project.

Alternatives:

submitted an application for
requested
sought

Answer 1

applied to

This phrase is correct and commonly used when indicating the target or recipient of the application.

Answer 2

applied for

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to applying for something, like a job or a program.

"applied to" vs "applied for"

applied to

applied for

Related Comparisons