What is the difference between "fill in" and "fill out"?

[Homy]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #192 "Phrasal Verbs (D to F)", question 10

The couple ......... many forms before they could immigrate to England.

(a) filled
(b) filled about
(c) filled out

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #192 "Phrasal Verbs (D to F)", answer 10

The couple filled out many forms before they could immigrate to England.

Correct answer: (c) filled out

Your answer was: incorrect
The couple filled many forms before they could immigrate to England.
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What are the difference between "fill in" and "fill out"?

Homy

[Mister Micawber]

.
No difference when used of forms.
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Saneta]

1. No difference when used of forms - I don't like: when used of forms?, what does it mean: used of forms? (not meaning of the words but the construction)
2. what is the difference between: 'fill up' anf 'fill out'

Many thanks

[Mister Micawber]

1-- I'm sorry you don't like my English, but it is my native language, not yours. If you do a little thinking, Saneta, on my sentence ('No difference when used of forms'), what do you think 'of forms' means, considering that 'forms' is in the original test question?

2-- 'Fill up' is used of different 'containers' than 'fill out'. 'Fill up' is used for containers in which the contents are added from bottom to top ('I filled up my martini glass'; I filled up the car with ethyl') while 'fill out' is used with containers for which the contents are added from the center outward or from one side to another ('I filled out the cheque before I signed it'; 'Your wife is really filling out, isn't she?'
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Saneta]

1. No difference when used of forms.= No difference in using 'fill in' and 'fill out' concerning forms?

2.Very nice explanation!
Your wife is really filling out, isn't she?'= Your wife is really putting on weight, isn't she?'

Many thanks, Mr M.M.!!

[Mister Micawber]

1-- Right.
2-- Right.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's