The verb apply is one of the most commonly used English verbs, yet many learners are unsure which preposition should follow it. Should you say apply for a job, apply to a university, or apply with a resume? The answer depends on the meaning you want to express.
In this guide, you’ll learn the different meanings of apply, understand when to use apply for, apply to, and apply with, and see practical examples that make these structures easier to remember. If you’re preparing for an English exam, writing applications, or improving your everyday English, mastering these expressions will help you communicate more accurately.
What Does “Apply” Mean?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, apply is a versatile English verb with several meanings depending on the context.
Some of its most common meanings include:
- To submit an application for a job, scholarship, visa, or course.
- To be relevant or valid for someone or something.
- To use a method, idea, or principle in practice.
- To put or spread a substance onto a surface.
- To place or exert pressure on something.
For example:
- He applied for a scholarship last year.
- The new regulations apply to all employees.
- She applied the theory to a real business case.
- Alex applies moisturizer to his face every morning.
- Too much pressure was applied to the glass.
Another useful expression is:
Apply yourself to something – meaning to devote yourself seriously to a task.
Example:
If you apply yourself to your studies, you’ll achieve excellent results.
Understanding the intended meaning is the key to choosing the correct preposition.
How to Use Apply to
The structure apply to has several important uses in English.
1. When Something Is Relevant or Applicable
Use apply to when a rule, law, policy, or statement is relevant to someone or something.
Structure:
Apply to + person/thing
Examples:
- These safety rules apply to everyone.
- The discount does not apply to sale items.
- The policy applies to all international students.
2. When Applying to an Organization
Use apply to when referring to the institution or organization receiving your application.
Structure:
Apply to + company/school/organization
Examples:
- She applied to Harvard University.
- John applied to three technology companies.
- I’m planning to apply to a graduate school next year.
3. When Putting Something Onto Another Thing
You can also use apply something to something when adding a substance or using an idea in practice.
Structure:
Apply + object + to + object
Examples:
- Apply sunscreen to your skin before going outside.
- The engineer applied the new technique to the project.
- Please apply the solution to the affected area.
How to Use Apply for
Among all the structures, apply for is probably the most frequently used.
Use apply for when referring to the specific opportunity, position, document, or benefit you want to obtain.
Structure:
Apply for + job/course/scholarship/visa/grant/position
Examples:
- He applied for a marketing position.
- Sarah applied for admission to business school.
- They applied for permanent residency.
- I want to apply for a student visa.
- She applied for a government scholarship.
Easy Tip to Remember
Think of apply for as answering the question:
“What are you trying to get?”
Examples:
- Apply for a job.
- Apply for a loan.
- Apply for funding.
- Apply for a passport.
How to Use Apply with
Although less common, apply with is still used in specific situations.
1. Describing the Materials Used in an Application
Use apply with when mentioning what accompanies your application.
Structure:
Apply with + document/material
Examples:
- I applied with my resume and cover letter.
- She applied with an online portfolio.
- Candidates should apply with two reference letters.
2. Passive Usage
In some technical contexts, be applied with describes something being coated, covered, or treated with a substance.
Examples:
- The surface was applied with a protective coating.
- The statue was applied with a fresh layer of paint.
Although grammatically acceptable, native speakers often prefer alternative wording such as coated with, covered with, or painted with in everyday English.
Apply to vs. Apply for vs. Apply with
Here’s a simple comparison to help you remember the differences.
| Structure | Main Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Apply to | Apply to an organization or indicate that something is relevant | She applied to Oxford University. |
| Apply to | Put something onto another object | Apply the cream to your hands. |
| Apply for | Request a specific opportunity or item | He applied for a scholarship. |
| Apply with | Mention the documents or method used when applying | She applied with a digital portfolio. |
A practical way to distinguish them is:
- Apply to → Where? (organization or recipient)
- Apply for → What? (position, scholarship, visa, etc.)
- Apply with → Using what? (resume, portfolio, documents)
For more grammar explanations, you can also explore our related guides on English prepositions, common phrasal verbs, and academic writing tips. [internal_links]
Practice Exercise
Choose the correct preposition.
- My sister plans to apply _____ a software engineering position after graduation.
- David applied _____ Stanford University last month.
- These regulations apply _____ every employee in the company.
- I applied _____ my portfolio and recommendation letter.
- She hopes to apply _____ a student visa before August.
Answers
- for
- to
- to
- with
- for
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many English learners confuse these structures because they all involve the verb apply.
Here are a few common mistakes:
❌ Apply to a scholarship
✅ Apply for a scholarship
❌ Apply for Harvard University
✅ Apply to Harvard University
❌ Apply with sunscreen
✅ Apply sunscreen to your skin
Remember that identifying the meaning of apply in the sentence is the easiest way to choose the correct preposition.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between apply for, apply to, and apply with will significantly improve both your spoken and written English. While apply for refers to the opportunity you want, apply to usually identifies the organization or shows that something is relevant, and apply with explains the documents or materials used during an application.
Practice these patterns regularly by creating your own example sentences and using them in real-life situations such as job applications, university admissions, and English writing exercises. For more grammar lessons and vocabulary guides, explore our related learning resources. [internal_links]
References
- Cambridge Dictionary. Apply. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. Apply. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Apply. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apply