Fill in the blanks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Fill in the blanks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone is asked to complete missing information in a text or form. Example: "In the exercise, please fill in the blanks with the appropriate words to complete the sentences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fill in the blanks: Ford grew up in.

The New York Times

Fill in the blanks what could have happened".

Huffington Post

Fill In The Blanks: Kurt Andersen: Too _____________ To Fail.

Huffington Post

Fill in the blanks.

PubMed

Fill in the blanks for each character.

WikiHow

Fill in the blanks if you used 3rd party guidebooks.

WikiHow

We fill in the blanks.

The New Yorker

"You can fill in the blanks".

The New York Times - Sports

People sort of fill in the blanks".

The New York Times

I'd rather fill in the blanks.

The New Yorker

You'll have to fill in the blanks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, "fill in the blanks" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where details are left unsaid or are open to interpretation.

Common error

While clear, "fill in the blanks" can become repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "complete the missing information" or "supply the details" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fill in the blanks" primarily functions as an instruction or a request to complete missing information. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used in exercises, forms, and tests where information is intentionally omitted and needs to be supplied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fill in the blanks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that instructs someone to complete missing information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, appearing across various contexts from educational materials to news articles. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use it judiciously and vary the language to avoid repetition. Remember to provide sufficient context when using the phrase to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "complete the missing information" or "supply the details" can enhance the flow and engagement of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Complete the missing information

This alternative focuses on the act of finishing something by adding what's lacking.

Supply the missing details

This suggests providing specific pieces of information that are absent.

Fill the gaps

This alternative is more concise and uses the metaphor of gaps needing to be filled.

Provide the missing pieces

This implies that there are separate elements that need to be added to make something whole.

Add the necessary information

This alternative highlights the addition of required information.

Complete the form

This is specifically relevant when talking about forms or documents.

Enter the required data

This is suitable in the context of entering data into a system or document.

Provide the missing words

This is specific to completing sentences or texts.

Add the finishing touches

This implies adding the final elements to complete something.

Answer the questions

This directs focus to answering questions.

FAQs

How can I use "Fill in the blanks" in a sentence?

You can use "fill in the blanks" to instruct someone to complete missing information, like in the sentence, "Please "fill in the blanks" on the application form".

What can I say instead of "Fill in the blanks"?

You can use alternatives like "complete the missing information", "supply the missing details", or "fill the gaps" depending on the context.

Is "fill in the blank" or "fill in the blanks" correct?

While "fill in the blank" can be used when there is only one blank to complete, ""fill in the blanks"" is more commonly used when there are multiple missing pieces of information.

When is it appropriate to use "Fill in the blanks" metaphorically?

You can use "fill in the blanks" metaphorically when discussing incomplete stories or situations where details are left to the imagination. For example, "The movie left much to the audience to "fill in the blanks"".