fill in

Friendly

Explanation of "Fill In"

Definition: "Fill in" is a phrasal verb that means to write information in a blank space on a form or document. It can also mean to provide someone with information they need, or to substitute for someone in a job or task.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "fill in" when you want to talk about completing forms, providing information, or stepping in for someone else.

Examples:

1. Completing Forms:

   • "Please fill in your name and address on this application form."

2. Providing Information:

   • "Can you fill me in on what happened during the meeting?"

3. Substituting:

   • "When the teacher was sick, I had to fill in for her in class."

Advanced Usage:

• Substituting: In a work context, "fill in" can refer to taking over someone's responsibilities temporarily. For example, "I will fill in for my manager while she is on vacation."

• Completing Information: It can also mean providing detailed information. For instance, "He filled in the details of the project report before submission."

Word Variants:

• Fill out: This is similar to "fill in" and is often used interchangeably. For example, "Please fill out this form."
• Filled in: This is the past tense form. For example, "I filled in all the necessary information yesterday."

Different Meanings:

1. As a substitute: "Fill in" can refer to temporarily taking someone else's place.
2. Providing information: It can also mean to inform someone about something they don’t know.

Synonyms:

• Complete
• Substitute
• Inform
• Update

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Fill in the blanks": This means to complete missing information in a text or document.
• "Fill someone's shoes": This means to take over someone's responsibilities or role, often implying doing it well.

Summary:

"Fill in" is a versatile phrasal verb used in different contexts, from paperwork to communication and temporary job roles.

Academic

Verb

1. write all the required information onto a form
   • fill out this questionnaire, please!
   • make out a form
2. be a substitute
   • The young teacher had to substitute for the sick colleague
   • The skim milk substitutes for cream--we are on a strict diet
3. represent the effect of shade or shadow on
4. supply with information on a specific topic
   • He filled me in on the latest developments

Synonyms

• complete
• fill out
• make out
• substitute
• sub
• stand in
• shade