filling out forms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filling out forms" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the process of completing paperwork or applications. Example: "I spent the afternoon filling out forms for my new job." Alternative expressions include "completing forms" and "submitting forms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Various contexts, ranging from government paperwork to online applications

Completing applications or documentation

Bureaucratic processes in diverse fields

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, more non-whiteys are arriving and filling out forms.

The Guardian

It would mean filling out forms and paying a fee.

The New York Times

Some are also paying their respects by filling out forms.

The Guardian

"Filling out forms that were not truthful," he said.

The New York Times

A word of warning: Be careful about filling out forms on Web sites.

The New York Times - Tech

"I think the American people are sick and tired of filling out forms," Sanders told Weigel.

The New Yorker

We support each other with literacy, filling out forms, helping families settle here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among other things she balks at filling out forms to replace her lost ration book.

The New Yorker

Lazarus allows you to do this by autosaving everything you type when filling out forms.

The Guardian - Tech

Language barriers and fear of filling out forms for the government limited participation in earlier counts.

The New York Times

Maybe filling out forms will make Britain more sympathetic to immigrants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the user interface, make forms easy to read by using large enough font and clear labels.

Common error

While "filling out" and "filling in" are often interchangeable, be consistent in your choice. In some contexts, one may sound more natural than the other, but clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filling out forms" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of completing forms, whether for applications, surveys, or other purposes. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filling out forms" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase that describes the activity of completing forms for various purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across numerous contexts, from news and media to business and academic settings. While alternatives like "completing forms" and "submitting forms" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to use the active voice for clarity and be consistent with your choice between "filling out" and "filling in". Overall, "filling out forms" is a versatile and essential phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completing forms

Replaces "filling" with "completing", offering a slightly more formal tone.

filling in forms

Uses "filling in" instead of "filling out", a subtle variation with similar meaning.

filling in applications

Uses "filling in" applications, similar to filling in forms.

submitting forms

Focuses on the act of submission rather than the process of completion.

filling out applications

Specifies "applications" as the type of form being completed.

completing paperwork

Replaces "forms" with the broader term "paperwork", encompassing various documents.

completing an application

Singular form replacing the original form.

completing documentation

Replaces forms with broader term documentation

filling in documentation

Documentation replaces forms and filling is replaced with filling in.

processing forms

Emphasizes the administrative aspect.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "filling out forms"?

You can use alternatives like "completing forms", "submitting forms", or "completing paperwork" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "filling out forms" or "filling in forms"?

Both "filling out forms" and "filling in forms" are acceptable and widely used. The choice often depends on regional preference or personal style. There is no significant difference in meaning.

How to use "filling out forms" in a sentence?

You can use "filling out forms" in various sentences, such as: "The job requires a lot of time spent "filling out forms"." or "Many people dislike "filling out forms" for government services."

What's the difference between "filling out forms" and "processing forms"?

"Filling out forms" refers to the act of completing a document with information. "Processing forms" involves the administrative tasks of handling and managing the completed documents.