What does the phrasal verb “fill in” mean?

What are the definitions of “fill in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Complete a form.

  I FILLED IN the application form and posted it off.

• 2. Substitute someone at work.

  She's just had a baby, so we have hired someone to FILL IN for her.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fill in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fill in is to complete a form or document by providing the required information. For example, it can mean writing your name, address, and other details on an application form or a survey.

What are the different verb forms of “fill in”?

Root Verb	fill in
Third Person Singular Present	fills in
Present Participle	filling in
Simple Past	filled in
Past Participle	filled in

Example

Please fill in the registration form before the event.

Example

He fills in the crossword puzzle every morning.

Example

She is filling in the blanks on the test.

Example

Yesterday, they filled in the survey about their shopping experience.

Example

The form has been filled in and submitted.

What kind of phrasal verb is “fill in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“fill in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I filled in the application form.

Example

She filled the form in quickly.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“fill in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I filled in the application form.

Example

She filled the form in quickly.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fill in”?

Fill in for someone

Temporarily replace someone in their job or role, especially when they are absent or unavailable.

Example

John is on vacation, so Mary will fill in for him this week.

Fill in the blanks

Provide missing information or details, often in a written document or test.

Example

The teacher asked the students to fill in the blanks on the worksheet.

Fill in the gaps

Provide missing information or details in a conversation or explanation.

Example

She filled in the gaps in her story, helping us understand what happened.

Good things to know

Does “fill in” have an informal or formal tone?

Fill in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or academic contexts, when discussing forms, documents, or providing missing information.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fill in”?

Synonyms

• complete
• supply
• provide
• substitute
• replace
• cover
• stand in
• take over

Antonyms

• omit
• ignore
• neglect
• skip
• overlook
• leave blank