filled them out

USAGE SUMMARY

"filled them out" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when referring to completing something, such as a form or application. For example, "I filled them out quickly so I could be sure to submit my application on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I'll send you a copy of the documents,' and his secretary filled them out".

The New Yorker

They also filled them out six months later, and one year later.

The New York Times

They sent applications — or, in more and more cases, filled them out online and clicked "submit" or its equivalent.

University of California, Berkeley

The election was held, but six ballots were declared invalid because students had not filled them out correctly.

The Washington Post

The next time Mother asked him about the application forms, he told her that he had filled them out and sent them off.

The New Yorker

He'd filled them out wrong the first time, he said: after catching up on sleep, he'd realized how impaired he'd been, and wanted a chance to downgrade his ratings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

These forms are behind CalNet authentication, so only Berkeley employees may fill them out accordingly (third-party vendors should not fill them out).

University of California, Berkeley

Also, people often fill them out days later, and who remembers what they watched last Thursday?

The New Yorker

"And usually you can print the forms and fill them out too.

The New York Times - Travel

He tells them how to obtain immigration forms, how to fill them out, and how to register to vote.

The New Yorker

Banks have been sending me unsolicited card applications for years, and I have been filling them out and returning them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "filled them out", ensure the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to (e.g., forms, applications, surveys). For clarity, you can specify the noun before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "filled them out" if the reader doesn't know what "them" refers to. Always ensure the referent is clear to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "filled them out" is a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of completing a form or document, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filled them out" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of completing forms or documents. As verified by Ludwig, it's appropriate in various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, always make sure the referent of "them" is clear. Alternatives include "completed them" or "filled in the blanks". While common, it's wise to ensure clear pronoun reference to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completed them

Uses a simpler verb, "completed", to convey the action of finishing forms or documents.

filled out those forms

Specifies the object being filled out as "those forms" for added clarity.

submitted the completed forms

Highlights the action of submitting after having completed the forms.

filled in the blanks

Refers to completing specific sections or missing information in forms.

finalized the applications

Emphasizes that the application process has been brought to an end.

provided the required information

Focuses on the act of supplying necessary data instead of the physical act of filling a form.

entered the data

Emphasizes the action of entering data, possibly in a digital format.

wrote in the answers

Focuses on the act of writing to complete a form.

supplied the details

Highlights the provision of specific details or information.

responded to all questions

Focuses on addressing each question within a form or survey.

FAQs

What does "filled them out" mean?

The phrase "filled them out" means to complete something by providing the required information, typically in forms, applications, or surveys. It refers to the act of writing or entering information into designated spaces.

How can I use "filled them out" in a sentence?

You can use "filled them out" in a sentence like this: "I "completed them" carefully to avoid any mistakes."

What are some alternatives to "filled them out"?

Some alternatives to "filled them out" include "completed them", "filled in the blanks", or "submitted the completed forms" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "filled them out"?

Yes, it is correct to say "filled them out", as Ludwig AI confirms. It is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for indicating the completion of forms or documents.