Same verb · different particle

“fill” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

fill

in out up

fill + in · 1 of 3

fill in

complete a form

fill in sth

to write the necessary information on a form or document.

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please fill in this application form before your interview.

A: Do I need to fill in all these details?
B: Yes, just write your information in each box.

Common mistake

Not: Please fill the form.

Say: Please fill in the form. / fill out the form.

For forms, use 'fill in' (BrE) or 'fill out' (AmE) — bare 'fill' means make full.

More on “fill in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my country, when you open a bank account, you have to fill in several forms with your personal details.

Tell it apart

Fill in the form, please.

write in the details

Fill up the tank, please.

make it completely full

Goes with

fill in + form

Practice saying this

Next: fill out

fill + out · 2 of 3

fill out

complete a form

fill out sth sth

to write information in all the spaces on a form or document.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

You need to fill out this form before you see the doctor.

A: Do I have to fill out all these sections?
B: Yes, just write your details on every page.

Common mistake

Not: Please fill the form and sign it.

Say: Please fill out the form and sign it.

Need 'out' (AmE) or 'in' (BrE); bare 'fill' means make full.

More on “fill out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my country, when you apply for a new passport, you have to fill out several forms with your personal information.

Tell it apart

Fill out the form, please.

complete all the fields

Fill up the tank before you go.

fill it to the top with petrol

Goes with

fill out + document

Practice saying this

Next: fill up

fill + up · 3 of 3

fill up

to make something completely full

fill up sth

To put something into a container or space until there is no more room left.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I need to fill up the car with petrol before our trip.

A: Do you want me to fill up your water bottle?
B: Yes, please. It's almost empty.

Common mistake

Not: I filled up it with petrol.

Say: I filled it up with petrol.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'fill it up'.

More on “fill up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Whenever I go on a long drive, I always fill up the tank to avoid running out of fuel.

Tell it apart

I'll just fill up the car.

make the tank full

I'll just fill in the form.

complete the details

Goes with

fill up + container

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “fill” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “fill” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

fill in fill out fill up