WordValefill in
to complete a form; to substitute for someone
In more detail
1. (verb) to write or type the required information on a form or document
2. (verb) to occupy a space or position that was empty
3. (phrasal verb) to inform someone about something they don't know
4. (phrasal verb) to substitute for someone who is absent
Examples
- 1. Please fill in your name and address at the top of the form.
- 2. The new furniture will fill in the empty corners of the room.
- 3. Can you fill me in on what happened at the meeting yesterday?
How to use fill in
Fill in is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used in administrative contexts (completing forms), spatial contexts (occupying empty positions), and social contexts (providing information or temporary coverage). It is more casual than 'complete' or 'substitute' and widely used in both written and spoken English. The meaning depends heavily on context.
Common phrases
- fill in a form
- fill in the blanks
- fill in for someone
- fill in the details
- fill someone in on
Synonyms
complete · populate · occupy · substitute · inform
Opposites
empty · vacate
Word family
fill · filler · filling
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'fill in' with 'fill out' (primarily North American for forms) or forget the preposition 'in', writing 'fill the form' instead of 'fill in the form'.
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