Cool MateApply vs Request
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apply
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Request
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Apply | Request | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈkwest/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈkwest/"]/ |
| Meaning | To put something into use or request something. | to ask for something |
| Example | You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. | I would like to make a request for a day off next week. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | directly, evenly, liberally, over, to | special, legitimate, reasonable, make, put in, send, at somebody’s request, by request, on request, available on request, available upon request, by popular request, special, legitimate, reasonable, make, put in, send, at somebody’s request, by request, on request, available on request, available upon request, by popular request |
| Antonyms | withdraw, remove, neglect | refuse, decline |
| 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. | Using 'request' with a different preposition, such as 'request for'., Confusing 'request' with 'require'., Not using it in the correct form, like 'requested' instead of 'requesting'. |
| 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. | Used in polite or formal contexts. It may sound too formal for casual conversations, where simpler words like 'ask' are preferred. |
Frequently asked questions: Apply vs Request
What's the difference between Apply and Request?
Apply: To put something into use or request something. Request: to ask for something
Are Apply and Request the same CEFR level?
Apply: A2, Request: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Apply and Request?
Apply: verb, Request: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Apply: You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. Request: I would like to make a request for a day off next week.
Can I use Apply and Request interchangeably?
Not always. Apply and Request 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.