"apply for" vs "apply to"

Question

"apply for" vs "apply to"

Both 'apply to' and 'apply for' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Apply to' is used when referring to a specific person or organization to which an application is being submitted, while 'apply for' is used when referring to the action of submitting an application for something, such as a job, a program, or a grant.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to the action of submitting an application for something, such as a job, a program, or a grant. For example, 'She decided to apply for a job at the new company.'

Examples:

She applied for a scholarship to study abroad.
He is going to apply for a position at the local hospital.
They are planning to apply for a grant to fund their research.
Students can apply for financial aid through the university.
The organization is inviting artists to apply for a residency program.

Alternatives:

submit an application for
send an application for
make an application for
request consideration for
seek approval for

This phrase is used when referring to a specific person or organization to which an application is being submitted. For example, 'You should apply to the university for admission.'

Examples:

You should apply to the company for a job.
Students can apply to the scholarship committee for financial aid.
She decided to apply to several colleges for her undergraduate studies.
He applied to the government agency for a grant.
The artist applied to the gallery for an exhibition opportunity.

Alternatives:

submit an application to
send an application to
make an application to
request consideration from
seek approval from

Answer 1

apply for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

apply to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"apply for" vs "apply to"

apply for

apply to

Related Comparisons