This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Krystyna in Poland. Here is Krystyna’s question:
Dear Teacher,
I would like to know of different ways to use words such as “apply” and “application” for getting jobs or other purposes.
Thank you, Krystyna.
I’m happy to answer this question, Krystyna.
The word “apply” is a verb, and the word “application” is a noun. We can use both words when discussing the process of looking for a job.
We say we “apply for a job” when we go through the official process of asking an employer for work. To do this, we usually have to complete a job application. The application is a form, either online or on paper, that gives the employer information about the person applying for the job.
We commonly use the phrasal verb “fill out” to express the act of completing an application. Consider the following examples:
You must fill out this application first.
Did you fill out the application?
While we say “apply for” when trying to get a job, we say “apply to” when we are trying to get accepted into a school or other program, as in the following example:
She applied to three medical schools in California.
However, we say “apply for” when we are trying to get financial aid or special awards.
The expression “apply to” also has another meaning. It can mean that something relates to something else, or that something is true for all people or things. Listen to the following examples:
The new rule only applies to people who work more than 40 hours each week.
The right of freedom of speech should apply to all citizens.
The word “application” has other meanings besides a form people fill out. Among these is a computer program that does a specific task, or kind of work. From this meaning, we get the term “Apps,” which we use in our smartphones and computers.
There also is another expression with the verb “apply.” If you “apply yourself,” that means that you are working hard over a period of time to complete a project or develop a skill.
For our readers and listeners, what are your questions about American English? Are you applying yourself to your study of English? We want to hear from you! Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com. And please let us know where you are from, too.
And that’s Ask a Teacher.
I’m Andrew Smith.
Andrew Smith wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.
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Words in This Story
form –n. a document or application that people add information to for official use
Forum