fill in
phrasal verb·4 senses·particle in
Meanings
Write information into the blanks of a form
Why “in”? Walls close around something. What is in is held inside.
“Fill in your name and address.”
“Fill in the date at the top.”
Temporarily do someone else's job
Why “in”? You step inside the circle. To be in is to belong or take part.
“Can you fill in for Sam tomorrow?”
“Can you fill in for Sam at lunch?”
Tell someone the news or details they missed
“Fill me in on what happened.”
“Can you fill Sara in on the plan?”
Put material into a hole or gap so it is full
“They filled in the hole with concrete.”
“The builder filled in the gap with plaster.”
Don't confuse with
Fill in means write information into the blanks of a form. Fill out means complete a form by writing in the required information.
Test yourself
“Fill in your name and address.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fill out
A contrast learners often mix up
Complete a form by writing in the required information; Become rounder or more developed in shape; Add details to make something more complete
bask in
Same in pattern: inside
Take great pleasure in attention, success or warmth
be in
Same in pattern: inside
Be present at home or at work
blend in
Same in pattern: inclusion
Look or behave like the people around you
box in
Same in pattern: inside
Surround tightly with little room
breathe in
Same in pattern: inside
Inhale air
bring in
Same in pattern: inclusion
Introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation; Earn money for a person or business; Introduce a new law, system or rule; Deliver a verdict in a court
build in
Same in pattern: inside
Include something as a permanent part of a design
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “fill in”.
Practice “fill in” in Sink In
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