"applied to the" vs "applied for the"

Question

"applied to the" vs "applied for the"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Applied for the' is used when referring to applying for a job, grant, or program. 'Applied to the' is used when referring to applying a substance or material to a surface.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used when talking about applying a substance or material to a surface. It indicates the target of the application.

Examples:

She applied paint to the walls of the room.
He applied sunscreen to his skin before going to the beach.
They applied glue to the broken pieces of the vase.

Alternatives:

put on the
spread on the
rubbed onto the
administered to the
used on the

This phrase is used when talking about applying for something like a job, grant, or program. It indicates the purpose of the application.

Examples:

She applied for the position of marketing manager.
He applied for a research grant to fund his project.
They applied for the scholarship program at the university.

Alternatives:

submitted an application for the
requested to be considered for the
sought to obtain the
put in an application for the
entered the competition for the

Answer 1

applied to the

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to applying a substance or material to a surface.

Answer 2

applied for the

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

"applied to the" vs "applied for the"

applied to the

applied for the

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