fill up vs fill in

Both 'fill up' and 'fill in' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Fill up' is used when talking about filling something to its full capacity, like a gas tank or a glass with water. 'Fill in' is used when completing a form, document, or providing information in a space. They are not interchangeable and have distinct meanings.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1218 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to filling something to its full capacity.

"fill up "

Use 'fill up' when you want to convey the idea of making something full or reaching its maximum capacity, like filling up a gas tank or a glass with water.

Examples:

Please fill up the gas tank before we leave.
The restaurant was full, so we couldn't fill up the table with more chairs.
I need to fill up my water bottle before going for a run.
The kids were thirsty, so they quickly filled up their cups with juice.
She decided to fill up the bathtub with warm water for a relaxing bath.

Show examples from the web [+]

But I can't fill up a space shuttle with geriatrics.
I like to fill up each little waffle hole with syrup.
It's starting to fill up with blood.
Plenty of time for her lungs to fill up.
Get them something to fill up on.
Helmet starts to fill up with toxic fumes.
Safta Lavin will help you fill up those uniforms in no time.
This guy can fill up a football stadium on a Tuesday.
They dilute it to fill up car batteries.
Go fill up the gas can, Jobe.
We'll be back later to fill up the thermos.
A blank one we can fill up with a future together.
I saw stars standing up on their tips and throwing them to you. to fill up the room... with the most beautiful light there is.
And fill up the (BEEPING) landfill.
So much empty space to fill up with your... adventures.
If the bag starts to fill up with blood, you've made a big mistake.
I propose we purge the demons of responsibility and fill up this house with booze, girls, and napalm.
You should also note it's all in singles because it takes so many bills to fill up a briefcase.
I need you to fill up the restaurant any way you can.
Well, you run a couple of wiretaps, you fill up a file cabinet pretty fast.

Alternatives:

top up
fill to the brim
fill to capacity
fill completely
fill to the top

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to completing a form, document, or providing information in a space.

"fill in"

Use 'fill in' when you need to complete a form, document, or provide information in a designated space. It implies adding necessary details to something.

Examples:

Please fill in your name and address on the form.
I need to fill in the missing information on this report.
Could you fill in the blanks in this crossword puzzle?
She asked me to fill in for her at the meeting while she was away.
The teacher asked the students to fill in the answers on the test paper.

Show examples from the web [+]

Being your first time, you have to fill in a form with some information.
That is so many more forms to fill in.
Henry could program the computer to fill in the missing frames.
It will be my pleasure to fill in the gaps in your learning.
I just wanted to fill in some of the blanks.
Just trying to fill in the gaps.
Please fill in the following fields.
Please fill in the customs declaration form.
First fill in the Application Form.
Please fill in all these holes and relocate the riff-raff.
James, you shall have to fill in.
I managed to fill in some of the blanks on young Carl Elias.
We'll need Boston P.D. To fill in the blanks.
Just trying to fill in a few blanks.
Anyone can fill in a form saying they want to change religion.
Maybe some visions could fill in the gaps.
I can fill in the meaningful blanks.
I do really good on tests where you fill in the dots.
And then they fill in the blanks With whatever they want to believe.
Please fill in this form and leave with your example.

Alternatives:

complete
write in
enter
supply
add information to

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fill up vs fill in

"fill up "

"fill in"

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