Application vs Submission

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Application

Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun

Submission

FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1noun
Most formal: SubmissionMost common: Application
 ApplicationSubmission
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇬🇧 /["/səbˈmɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səbˈmɪʃn/"]/
MeaningA formal request or a program for a computer.Giving up control or agreeing to someone else's authority.
ExampleI submitted my application to the university last week.The deadline for submission of the project is next Monday.
RegisterNeutralFormal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR levelB1C1
Part of speechnounnoun
Collocationsformal, written, successful, file, lodge, make, form, guidelines, deadline, by application, on application, application for, practical, real-world, generalcomplete, total, demand, expect, get, submission to, detailed, lengthy, joint, make, accept, reject, in a/​the submission, submission for, submission to, oral, written, closing, consider, hear, support
Antonymsrejection, withdrawaldefiance, rebellion, resistance
Common mistakesConfused with 'apply' - don't use them interchangeably., Using 'application' in the wrong context, like for informal requests., Saying 'applicant' when you mean 'application'.Confused with 'submitting', which is the act of sending something., Used inappropriately in informal contexts., Misunderstood as a weakness rather than a voluntary act.
Usage notesUse 'application' when referring to a formal request for jobs, schools, or grants. Avoid in very casual conversations unless talking about apps.Often used in formal contexts, such as legal or organizational settings. It may not be suitable in casual conversations.

Frequently asked questions: Application vs Submission

What's the difference between Application and Submission?

Application: A formal request or a program for a computer. Submission: Giving up control or agreeing to someone else's authority.

Which is more formal: Application and Submission?

Submission is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Application and Submission?

Application is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Application and Submission?

Submission is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Application and Submission the same CEFR level?

Application: B1, Submission: C1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Application and Submission?

Application: noun, Submission: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Application: I submitted my application to the university last week. Submission: The deadline for submission of the project is next Monday.

Can I use Application and Submission interchangeably?

Not always. Application and Submission are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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