to fill out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to fill out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to completing a form or document by providing the required information. Example: "Please remember to fill out the application form before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I continued to fill out college applications.

The New York Times

Now, to fill out the schedule.

University of California, Berkeley

Remind everyone to fill out a survey!

Columbia University

Are there forms to fill out?

The New York Times

Too many papers to fill out.

The New Yorker

Drinking enough helps fibre to fill out.

The Guardian

There are forms to fill out.

The Washington Post

You've got to fill out forms.

The New York Times

And to fill out an advanced directive.

The Washington Post

Receptionist: Well, you have to fill out this form.

The New Yorker

He was told to fill out a form.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to complete a form, use "to fill out" followed by specific instructions regarding required fields or sections.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "fill out completely" as "to fill out" already implies completion. Instead, focus on clarity by saying "fill out the form" or "fill out all sections".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to fill out" primarily functions as a directive, instructing or describing the action of completing a form or document. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

27%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Academia

23%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to fill out" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of completing a form or document. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "to complete" exist, "to fill out" remains a clear and widely understood choice. It's important to avoid redundancy by not adding "completely" after it. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki based sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to complete

This alternative offers a more concise and direct synonym for "to fill out".

to populate

This alternative emphasizes the action of adding data or details to a form or document.

to provide information for

This alternative focuses on the act of supplying the necessary details.

to supply details

This alternative highlights the action of giving specific information.

to enter data

This alternative is suitable when referring to filling in digital forms or databases.

to furnish with information

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the provision of required information.

to answer

This alternative suggests responding to questions or prompts within a form.

to write in

This alternative highlights the physical act of writing information on a form.

to inscribe

A more formal and less common alternative for writing or entering information.

to set down

This alternative evokes the act of formally recording information.

FAQs

What does "to fill out" mean?

The phrase "to fill out" means to complete a form or document by providing the necessary information in the required fields.

How do I use "to fill out" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "Please remember to fill out the application form" or "Participants were instructed to fill out an event diary."

What are some alternatives to "to fill out"?

Some alternatives include "to complete", "to populate", or "to provide information for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fill out completely"?

While not grammatically incorrect, it can be redundant. It's more concise and often clearer to simply say "fill out the form" or specify which sections need completing.