Fill Out vs. Fill Up

Attribute	Fill Out	Fill Up
Definition	To complete a form or document by providing requested information	To make something full or to add contents to a container
Usage	Commonly used in the context of forms, surveys, and applications	Commonly used in the context of containers, tanks, and vehicles
Example	Fill out this form with your personal details	Fill up the gas tank before starting the journey
Meaning	To complete by adding necessary information	To make something full or to reach maximum capacity

Definition

Fill out and fill up are two commonly used phrasal verbs in English that are often confused due to their similar meanings. However, they have distinct differences in their usage and context.

Fill Out

Fill out is used when completing a form or document by providing necessary information. It implies adding details or answering questions to make the form complete. For example, you would fill out a job application by entering your personal information, work experience, and references.

Fill out can also be used in a more general sense to describe making something full or complete. For instance, you might fill out a room with furniture to make it look more inviting and cozy.

Fill Up

Fill up, on the other hand, is used when adding a substance to something to make it full. It is often used in the context of filling a container with a liquid or gas until it reaches its maximum capacity. For example, you would fill up your car with gas at the gas station.

Fill up can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe making someone feel satisfied or content. For instance, a delicious meal might fill you up and leave you feeling satisfied.

Usage

Fill out is typically used when talking about completing forms, documents, or spaces with information or details. It is commonly used in administrative or bureaucratic contexts where information needs to be provided to fulfill a requirement.

Fill up, on the other hand, is used when talking about filling containers, tanks, or spaces with a substance such as liquid, gas, or food. It is often used in everyday situations such as filling up a glass with water or filling up a bathtub with hot water.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between fill out and fill up:

• Fill out: Please fill out this form with your name, address, and phone number.
• Fill out: I need to fill out my tax return before the deadline.
• Fill up: Can you fill up the gas tank before we hit the road?
• Fill up: The chef filled up the soup pot with delicious broth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fill out and fill up are two phrasal verbs that have distinct meanings and usage. Fill out is used when completing forms or providing information, while fill up is used when adding a substance to make something full. Understanding the difference between these two terms can help you use them correctly in various contexts.