Confused Words: Fill In, Fill Out & Fill Up

Confused Words - Fill in - Fill Out - Fill up

Hello, English learners! Today, we’ll be unraveling the differences between three common English phrases: “Fill in“, “Fill out“, and “Fill up“. Although they seem similar, their usage varies. Let’s get started!

Fill In /fɪl ɪn/

To fill in means to add the necessary details to complete something. Think of it like completing a puzzle. Here are eight examples to illustrate its usage:

  1. Could you fill in the missing details in this story? (Add the missing details to the story)
  2. I had to fill in for my colleague who was on leave. (Act in place of my colleague)
  3. Remember to fill in your contact details on the application. (Write your contact details on the application)
  4. She asked me to fill in while she was on vacation. (She asked me to substitute for her)
  5. The artist started to fill in the sketch with color. (The artist started adding color to the sketch)
  6. The teacher asked us to fill in the missing words in the paragraph. (The teacher asked us to complete the paragraph by adding the missing words)
  7. Can you fill in the gaps in this report? (Can you complete the report by providing the missing information?)
  8. They needed someone to fill in at the reception desk. (They needed someone to temporarily take on the duties at the reception desk)

Fill Out /fɪl aʊt/

To fill out is to complete a form by providing all the required information. Here are eight examples:

  1. Please fill out this form to apply for the course. (Complete the form)
  2. He spent the morning filling out tax forms. (He spent the morning completing tax forms)
  3. She was asked to fill out a feedback form after the seminar. (She was asked to complete a feedback form)
  4. The doctor asked me to fill out a medical history form. (The doctor asked me to complete a medical history form)
  5. Applicants must fill out the online application form accurately. (Applicants must complete the online application form)
  6. You’ll need to fill out a customs declaration form at the airport. (You’ll need to complete a customs declaration form)
  7. Don’t forget to fill out the questionnaire before you leave. (Don’t forget to complete the questionnaire)
  8. Please fill out all fields marked with an asterisk. (Please complete all required fields on the form)

Fill Up /fɪl ʌp/

To fill up is to make something full, usually with a liquid or a gas. Here are eight examples:

  1. We need to fill up the gas tank before our road trip. (We need to completely fill the gas tank)
  2. He filled up his glass with lemonade. (He made his glass full with lemonade)
  3. The auditorium quickly filled up with people. (The auditorium quickly became full with people)
  4. She filled up the water jug. (She made the water jug full)
  5. I filled up the hole in the ground with soil. (I made the hole in the ground full with soil)
  6. Let’s fill up the basket with apples. (Let’s make the basket full with apples)
  7. The lake filled up after the heavy rain. (The lake became full after the heavy rain)
  8. Don’t fill up on snacks before dinner. (Don’t eat so many snacks that you’re full before dinner)

Conclusion

In conclusion, remember to fill in when you’re providing missing details, fill out when you’re completing a form by providing all the necessary information, and fill up when you’re making something full. Keeping these differences in mind will undoubtedly enhance your English communication skills!

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