Fill up, fill out and fill in

Dear Dr English,

I would like to know what is the difference among the terms 'fill up', 'fill out' and 'fill in'? Your explanation would be appreciated. Thank you.

Sarit Theeravachirakul

To fill is to put something into a container until it is full. When a verb is used with a preposition it is called a phrasal verb. The phrasal verb 'fill inÓ has many meanings, as follows:
When you put a substance into a hole or a crack, you fill in that hole or crack.

When an officer gives you a form in which you have to write information in assigned spaces, you fill in that form. Or when you paint or draw inside a shape to cover it with colour, you fill in that shape.

When you fill someone in you tell the person details about something you know, but when you fill in for someone you do somebodyÕs regular job because that person is absent or unable to do it.

To fill out a form means the same as to fill in a form, but if a thin person Òfills outÓ they have gained weight or have become fatter.

To the last phrasal verb - fill up. Its first meaning is to make or to become full. When something fills up a space or area, it is so big or is present in so big an amount or number that it looks like it takes the whole space, but if a place or an area fills up it is full of things. When someone fills up a period of time doing a particular activity, they spend the time doing it. The last meaning - when you fill yourself up with food, you eat so much that you do not feel hungry any more.

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Jump and hop

Dear Dr English,

What's the difference between jump and hop? I need to explain it to my daughter. I hope you can help.

Nat

To jump is to move quickly and suddenly leap into the air with one's own
strength.

The horse jumped over a low fence and ran around in the field.

A hop is a small jump, especially with one foot.
Willie hopped over a pile of pebbles.

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