Phrasal verb
fill in
Meanings
to complete a form, document, or blanks by adding necessary information
to tell someone information they missed; to update them on what happened
to temporarily do someone else’s job or take their place for a short time
Definition
“Fill in” means to complete missing information on a form or document.
To “fill in” something is to add the missing details so it becomes complete, such as writing answers on a form. It can also mean to give someone extra information so they understand what happened. In another common meaning, it means to temporarily do someone else’s job or role when they are absent.
Examples
- I need to fill in this application before the office closes.
- Can you fill in the last section of your profile today?
- She filled in her coworker on what happened during the meeting.
- They asked him to fill in for the manager while she was away.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “fill in” (complete missing information) with “fill out” and use the wrong one for forms depending on the variety of English.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.