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Prepositions with nouns

Application: of, for, or on application?

Application commonly takes different prepositions depending on meaning. “Application for” is standard for requests or uses, “on application” is a formal fixed phrase, and “of application” is limited to specific contexts.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with application?

Use “application for” when talking about a request, position, visa, or purpose. Use “on application” in formal English to mean “if requested”. “Of application” is uncommon and usually appears in phrases such as “date of application” or “rules of application”, where of links another noun to application rather than forming a fixed combination.

She submitted an application for a research grant.
Details are available on application to the publisher.
We recorded the date of application on the form.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
application for + thing

Requesting or seeking something

Use “application for” when someone formally asks for a job, visa, permit, course, or benefit.

He filed an application for permanent residency.
The bank rejected her application for a loan.
2
application of + method/principle

Using something in practice

Use “application of” to mean the use or practical implementation of an idea, rule, or method.

The application of artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly.
Students studied the application of the law in business cases.
3
on application

Meaning “if requested”

“On application” is a formal fixed expression often used in advertisements, catalogues, and official notices.

Price lists are available on application.
Further information will be sent on application.
4
application to + organisation/person

Sending a request to someone

Use “application to” for the institution or person receiving the application.

Her application to the university was successful.
They sent an application to the local council.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
application for
She made an application for a scholarship.
Standard for requesting or seeking something.
application of
The application of these rules is complex.
Refers to use, operation, or implementation.
on application
Technical details are available on application.
Formal phrase meaning “if requested”.
of application
The date of application must be included.
Usually part of a larger noun phrase, not a general replacement for “application for” or “on application”.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of application” for requests

Do not use “of application” when talking about applying for something.

✕ She submitted an application of a visa. ✓ She submitted an application for a visa.

Confusing “on application” with application purpose

“On application” means “if requested”, not “for applying”.

✕ He completed the form on application for the job. ✓ He completed the application for the job.

Using “application for” when meaning use

Use “application of” when talking about practical use or implementation.

✕ The application for this theory changed medicine. ✓ The application of this theory changed medicine.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She submitted an application ___ a work permit.
2. More information is available ___ application.
3. The application ___ machine learning in healthcare is growing.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “application for” the most common choice?

Yes. It is the standard pattern for requests such as applications for jobs, visas, grants, and permits.

What does “on application” mean?

It means “if requested” or “after someone asks for it”, usually in formal notices or advertisements.

Can “of application” be correct?

Yes, but usually in specific noun phrases such as “date of application” or “application of a rule”, not as a replacement for “application for”.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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