apply

applyverb

To apply is to make a formal request, to be about a particular situation, to put something onto a surface, or to use a method or rule.

1. make a requestmake a formal, usually written, request for something such as a job, a place at a school, or a loan

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj] verb + to-infinitive [V + to-inf]

   • She applied for the manager's job. V + prep + obj
   • He is applying to three universities. V + prep + obj
   • You can apply to join the club online. V + to-inf
   • They applied for a loan to buy the house. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition apply for, apply to

2. be relevantbe about a particular person, group, or situation

   intransitive [I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • This rule applies to everyone in the building. V + prep + obj
   • Does the discount apply to online orders? V + prep + obj
   • The advice doesn't really apply in my case. V + prep + obj
   • Those conditions no longer apply.

   Collocations

   verb + preposition apply to

3. put on a surfaceput or press something, such as a substance or force, onto a surface

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • Apply the cream twice a day. V + obj
   • She applied a thin coat of paint to the wall. V + obj + prep + obj
   • Apply gentle pressure to the wound. V + obj
   • The glue should be applied evenly. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun apply pressure, apply paint

4. use a methoduse a rule, method, or skill in a particular situation

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • Try to apply what you learned in class. V + obj
   • The same principle can be applied to other problems. V + obj + prep + obj
   • She applies her skills carefully to every project. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun apply a rule, apply a method

   phrase apply yourself