fill out
B1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To complete a form, document, or questionnaire by writing the required information in the blank spaces provided.
Also used more broadly to mean to become fuller or plumper (e.g., a person's face), or to add more details or substance to something (e.g., a report, plan).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb. When referring to forms, it is largely synonymous with 'fill in' in British English. The 'become fuller' sense is distinct and not interchangeable with 'fill in'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'fill in' is equally or more common for completing forms. In American English, 'fill out' is strongly preferred for forms. Both are understood.
Connotations
Neutral. No significant difference in connotation between dialects for the form-completion sense.
Frequency
American: High frequency for 'fill out' (forms). British: Moderate frequency; 'fill in' is more common for forms.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
fill out [object: a form]fill [object: a form] outVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fill out nicely (to develop a fuller figure)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Essential for administrative tasks: 'All new employees must fill out tax forms.'
Academic
Used for research participation and administrative documents: 'Participants were asked to fill out a consent form.'
Everyday
Very common: 'I need to fill out this warranty card.'
Technical
In computing, can refer to auto-populating fields in a database or web form.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please fill in this application form and return it.
- Her cheeks have started to fill out as she recovers.
American English
- Please fill out this application form and return it.
- He needs to fill out the story with more character details.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Fill out your name here.
- The doctor asked me to fill out a form.
- You must fill out the online registration before the deadline.
- After a few good meals, the stray kitten began to fill out.
- Applicants are required to fill out a detailed financial disclosure form.
- The author was asked to fill out the final chapter with more supporting evidence.
- The bureaucratic procedure entails filling out a labyrinthine series of interconnected forms.
- His once gaunt frame had filled out considerably after years of dedicated weight training.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a form as an empty 'out'line that you 'fill' with information.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A SUBSTANCE (that fills a container/form).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian 'заполнять' as 'fill in' only; 'fill out' is the standard US equivalent for forms.
- Do not confuse with 'fill up' (for liquids/tanks).
Common Mistakes
- *I filled out the blanks. (Use 'filled in the blanks'.)
- Confusing 'fill out' (forms/body) with 'fill in' (blanks/gaps/substitute for a person).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fill out' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, 'fill out' is for entire forms; 'fill in' is for individual blanks. In British English, 'fill in' can be used for both. 'Fill out' also means to become plumper.
Yes, it's a separable phrasal verb. E.g., 'Fill the form out' or 'Fill out the form.' Both are correct.
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both formal (business, academic) and informal contexts.
To leave it blank, to not complete it, or to void/cancel it. There's no single direct antonym.
Explore