they filled out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they filled out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the completion of a form or document, typically by providing the required information. Example: "After they filled out the application form, they submitted it to the admissions office."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They filled out their 4-H workbooks.

The New York Times - Travel

Then they filled out surveys about their own academic performance.

Princeton University

Finally, they filled out a survey to see if they felt any resentment towards their parents.

University of California, Berkeley

Then they filled out another questionnaire to measure their emotions again.

University of California, Berkeley

They filled out applications on the spot, and their family encouraged the idea.

The New Yorker

They filled out questionnaires regarding sleep experiences, psychopathological distress, the degree of exposure to terrorism, dissociative experiences, and sleep quality.

Personality and Individual Differences

Others are taking a new look at forms they filled out some time ago.

The New York Times - Health

Afterward, they filled out the questionnaires again and went through another three days of monitoring.

The New York Times - Health

They filled out their shells the way Jayne Mansfield filled out a dress.

The New York Times

When they filled out the forms, the women crossed out "father" and wrote in their names.

The New York Times

They filled out questionnaires about their dietary patterns during chemotherapy, and then again six months after treatment was completed.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the completion of a form, ensure the object of the sentence clearly indicates what was being filled out. For instance, "They filled out the application form" is clearer than "They filled out."

Common error

Avoid using "they filled out" without specifying what they filled out. While sometimes the context might make it clear, explicitly stating the form or document ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they filled out" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of a form or document. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they filled out" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of completing a form or document. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the object of the sentence specifies what was filled out to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like "they completed" or "they submitted" can be used for variety, but "they filled out" remains a straightforward and effective choice. The phrase has a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they completed

Focuses on the action of finishing or making something whole or complete.

they finished filling in

Emphasizes the end of the process of providing information.

they provided the details

Highlights the act of supplying specific information.

they supplied the information

Stresses the action of offering or making information available.

they entered the data

Focuses on the input of data, often into a system or form.

they submitted

Indicates the action of formally presenting or handing in something.

they registered

Highlights the action of recording information officially.

they lodged

Implies formally presenting or filing something, typically a document.

they furnished the particulars

Formally providing specific details or information.

they documented

Focuses on the act of recording information in a written or formal manner.

FAQs

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

Use "they filled out" to indicate that a group of people completed a form, survey, or other document by providing the necessary information. For example: "They filled out the survey after the presentation."

What can I say instead of "they filled out"?

You can use alternatives like "they completed", "they submitted", or "they provided the information" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they filled" instead of "they filled out"?

While "they filled" can be used in different contexts (e.g., "they filled the glass"), it's not interchangeable with "they filled out" when referring to completing a form. You need the "out" to convey the meaning of providing information on a document.

What is the difference between "they filled in" and "they filled out"?

While both phrases are similar, "they filled in" and "they filled out" are often used interchangeably. However, "they filled out" is slightly more common when referring to completing an entire form or document, while "they filled in" might refer to specific blanks or sections.