filling out the form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filling out the form" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of a person completing a document or questionnaire. For example, "I have been busy filling out the form all afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Filling out the form offered by a political activist not much older than him took about three minutes.

The New York Times

Filling out the form: "It's funny, I never received a census long form to fill out myself.

The New York Times

Share them by filling out the form below.

The Guardian

Share your thoughts by filling out the form below.

The Guardian

Click here to see the video for finding and filling out the form.

Cornell University

If you would like to attend, please register by filling out the form below.

Yale University

He may not even bother actually filling out the form to set up the committee.

The Washington Post

You can share your story by filling out the form below.

The Guardian

Tell us by filling out the form below by Friday, Dec. 8.

The New York Times

You can share your stories by filling out the form below.

The Guardian

You can share your 'quiet' pictures by filling out the form below.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to complete a form, use active voice. For example, instead of saying "The form needs filling out", say "Please fill out the form".

Common error

Avoid using "filling out the form" when a more specific action is intended. For instance, instead of saying "Filling out the form is enough", specify "Submitting the form is the final step" if that is the actual desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filling out the form" functions as a gerund phrase, where "filling" acts as a verb-turned-noun. This phrase typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the action of completing a form. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filling out the form" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes the action of completing a form. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academic settings, and general instructions. While the phrase is generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives like "completing the form" in highly professional environments. When providing instructions, use the active voice for clarity, and be precise about the desired outcome beyond just "filling out" the form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completing the form

Focuses on the action of finishing the form, emphasizing completeness.

filling in the form

Emphasizes the act of adding information to the form's blank spaces.

completing the application

Specifically refers to finishing an application document.

submitting the form

Focuses on the act of handing in the completed form.

processing the form

Highlights the action of handling the form for administrative or other purposes.

filling in the blanks

A more general phrase referencing completing missing form fields.

filling out the document

Broader term that includes other kinds of documents than just forms.

providing the information

Highlights the act of giving data, instead of the form itself.

supplying the data

A formal alternative that underscores giving precise information.

answering the questions

Focuses on responding to inquiries on the form.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "filling out the form" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "completing the form" or "supplying the data", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "filling out the form" and "filling in the form"?

While both phrases are generally interchangeable, "filling out the form" is slightly more common. "Filling in the form" can emphasize adding information to blank spaces.

Is "filling out the form" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "filling out the form" is perfectly acceptable in professional communication. However, for very formal contexts, you might prefer "completing the application" or similar phrases.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when "filling out the form"?

Ensure you read all instructions carefully, provide accurate information, and double-check for any errors before submitting. Don't leave any required fields blank.