What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
apply
Example
I need to apply for a job at that company. [apply: verb]
Example
She applied to several universities for her higher education. [applied: past tense]
Example
We can apply this technique to solve the problem. [apply: verb]
request
Example
I would like to request a meeting with you. [request: verb]
Example
He made a request for additional information. [request: noun]
Example
They requested that I send them the documents. [requested: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Apply is more commonly used than request in everyday language. Apply is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while request is more specific and tends to be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between apply and request?
While apply can be used in both formal and informal contexts, request is generally more formal and is commonly used in professional or official situations.