In or out?

Originally Posted by Casiopea

To add a word, phrase into a blank is to complete that particular sentence/line. To do that for the entire form is to complete the entire form. The difference here is between completing a line and completing a form. Fill in ~ Fill out are used synonymously by speakers--but not by all speakers) because they share a semantic similarity, notably 'complete': Fill out means to complete the entire form/shape, whereas fill in means to complete the sentences/lines, the result of which produces a filled out form, a completed form.

Trust your instincts! That is, asking questions is a good thing. :D

All the best,

Now, I have found it all out.

Casiopea. You must be from the U.S.

According to Cambridge Advanced Learners' dictionary,
it says that " fill in a form" and "fill out a form" are ok.

According to Macmillan dictionary, it also says that
"fill in a form" and " fill out a form" are ok.

Last, Oxford Advanced Learners' dictionary says
that "fill out a form" is common in American English.

===============================================
fill in something
(also fill sth out especially in AmE) to complete a form, etc. by writing information on it: to fill in an application form To order, fill in the coupon on p 54.
===============================================

I don't usually refer to one dictionary.
My favorites are Cambridge and Macmillan.

And I'm gonna add one from now on, Oxford.

Webster is also good.

:D

[Red5]

Hi moonwalker,

Have you seen http://www.onelook.com/ ? It gives you access to all the dictionaries you mentioned, and many more!

PS - you can search onelook.com from the dictionary bar at the top of this page.

[blacknomi]

Indeed, Cas is good! :D

Originally Posted by Red5

Hi moonwalker,

Have you seen http://www.onelook.com/ ? It gives you access to all the dictionaries you mentioned, and many more!

PS - you can search onelook.com from the dictionary bar at the top of this page.

Wow. It's excellent! :wink:

[Red5]

My pleasure.

Originally Posted by Red5

My pleasure.

If I had known that there was a reference column on the left,
I wouldn't have looked up the phrasal verb in the several dictionaries.
:x

=========================================
Fill in = complete a form (UK)
I FILLED IN the application form and posted it off.

Fill out = complete a form (US)
I FILLED OUT the application form and mailed it.

http://www.usingenglish.com/referenc...l-verbs/f.html
==========================================

"fill in" and "fill out" are clearly explained on your site.

Good site! :D

[Red5]

Thanks.