Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Casiopea Quote: |
Originally Posted by ggomad I'd say no one dictionary is perfect in all its articles.
I also suspect that this confusion may be more prevalent in British English.
American Heritage Dic. is another good source in learning the usage of English, if I might add. Its link is, http://www.bartleby.com/61/95/F0119500.html
Bye for now.~~ | 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