What does the phrasal verb “fill in for” mean?

What are the definitions of “fill in for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Substitute.

  I was away for a few days, so they had to get someone to FILL IN FOR me.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fill in for is to act as a substitute for someone or something, usually when the original person or thing is unavailable or absent. This can be used in various contexts, such as work, school, or sports.

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

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

Example

Can you fill in for me at the meeting tomorrow?

Example

She fills in for her coworker when he is on vacation.

Example

He is filling in for the injured player in today's game.

Example

Last week, I filled in for my boss while she was at a conference.

Example

He has filled in for the lead singer on several occasions.

What kind of phrasal verb is “fill in for”?

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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 for” 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

She filled in for her colleague during the presentation.

Example

He filled in for the absent teacher.

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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 for” 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

She filled in for her colleague during the presentation.

Example

He filled in for the absent teacher.

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

Fill in for someone at work

To temporarily take over someone's job responsibilities while they are away.

Example

I'll be on vacation next week, so my coworker will fill in for me.

Fill in for a performer

To temporarily replace a performer who is unable to perform.

Example

The understudy filled in for the lead actor who was sick.

Fill in for a team member

To temporarily replace a team member who is unable to participate.

Example

The substitute player filled in for the injured athlete during the game.

Good things to know

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

Fill in for 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 work or professional situations.

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

Synonyms

• substitute
• replace
• stand in for
• cover for
• take the place of
• act as a substitute

Antonyms

• leave
• abandon
• vacate
• relinquish
• surrender
• give up