The Difference Between “Apply,” “Ask,” and “Sue For”
English learners often encounter verbs that seem similar but have distinct meanings and uses. Three such verbs—apply, ask, and sue for—can be confusing due to their overlapping contexts. This guide will explain their differences in meaning, usage, and grammatical structures.
1. The Verb “Apply”
Meaning: “Apply” generally means to make a formal request, put something into use, or spread something onto a surface.
Common Uses:
- Applying for something (e.g., a job, visa, or loan): “She applied for a scholarship at Harvard.”
- Applying something (e.g., a rule, cream, or method): “You should apply sunscreen before going out.”
- Applying oneself (putting effort into something): “He applied himself to learning French.”
Grammatical Structures:
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Apply + for + noun | “He applied for a passport.” |
| Apply + to + noun/verb | “This rule applies to all employees.” |
| Apply + something + to + something | “She applied pressure to the wound.” |
2. The Verb “Ask”
Meaning: “Ask” means to request information, permission, or an action from someone.
Common Uses:
- Asking a question: “She asked me about my plans.”
- Asking for something (a favor, permission, or object): “He asked for a glass of water.”
- Asking someone to do something: “They asked him to leave.”
Grammatical Structures:
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Ask + (someone) + question | “She asked him where he lived.” |
| Ask + for + noun | “He asked for help.” |
| Ask + someone + to + verb | “They asked her to wait.” |
3. The Phrasal Verb “Sue For”
Meaning: “Sue for” is a legal term meaning to take legal action to demand compensation or justice for something.
Common Uses:
- Suing for damages (money for harm caused): “The victim sued for compensation.”
- Suing for divorce (legally ending a marriage): “She sued for divorce last year.”
- Suing for breach of contract (legal violation): “The company sued for breach of contract.”
Grammatical Structures:
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Sue + for + noun (legal claim) | “He sued for damages.” |
| Sue + someone + for + noun | “They sued the company for negligence.” |
Key Differences Summary
| Verb | Primary Meaning | Common Contexts | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply | Formal request or putting something into use | Jobs, rules, methods | “She applied for a visa.” |
| Ask | Request information or action | Questions, favors, permissions | “He asked for directions.” |
| Sue for | Legal action for compensation | Lawsuits, damages, divorce | “They sued for breach of contract.” |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing “apply for” and “ask for”: “Apply” is for formal requests (jobs, visas), while “ask” is for general requests (help, permission).
- Using “sue for” in non-legal contexts: “Sue for” is strictly legal; don’t use it for everyday requests.
- Incorrect prepositions: “Apply to a university” (not “apply for a university”).
By understanding these distinctions, English learners can use apply, ask, and sue for accurately in both spoken and written contexts.