Cool MateApply vs Putting it into practice
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apply
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Putting it into practice
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Apply
| Apply | Putting it into practice | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈpʊtɪŋ ɪt ˈɪntuː ˈpræktɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈpʊtɪŋ ɪt ˈɪntu ˈpræktɪs// |
| Meaning | To put something into use or request something. | To use an idea or plan in real life. |
| Example | You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. | She is putting it into practice by starting her own business. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | directly, evenly, liberally, over, to | put into practice methods, put into practice ideas, put into practice strategies, put into practice skills, put into practice theories |
| Antonyms | withdraw, remove, neglect | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'imply' — they have different meanings., Using 'applied' incorrectly in past tense when referring to a suggestion., Omitting the object when stating to 'apply' something. | Confused with 'putting into practice' and 'putting in practice'; the former is correct in most contexts., Using the phrase incorrectly as 'put in' without 'into practice', which loses the meaning., Misusing the phrase in very informal settings where other phrases might be more appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Use 'apply' when talking about using knowledge in practice or requesting a position. It is neutral and can fit in both casual and formal settings. Avoid using in overly casual contexts. | It's often used to describe applying theoretical knowledge or concepts practically, especially in professional or educational contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Apply vs Putting it into practice
What's the difference between Apply and Putting it into practice?
Apply: To put something into use or request something. Putting it into practice: To use an idea or plan in real life.
Which is more common: Apply and Putting it into practice?
Apply is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Apply: You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. Putting it into practice: She is putting it into practice by starting her own business.
Can I use Apply and Putting it into practice interchangeably?
Not always. Apply and Putting it into practice 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.