fill in for

Meaning

This phrasal verb means to temporarily do someone else's job, tasks, or duties because they are sick, on vacation, or otherwise absent. It is a standard workplace expression used to describe temporary coverage.

Examples

• Can you fill in for me at the afternoon meeting? I have a doctor's appointment.

  Can you fill in for me at the afternoon meeting? I have a doctor's appointment.

• David is filling in for Jessica while she is on maternity leave.

  David is filling in for Jessica while she is on maternity leave.

• I had to fill in for the receptionist because she called in sick today.

  I had to fill in for the receptionist because she called in sick today.

• Thank you for filling in for me last week; I really appreciate the help.

  Thank you for filling in for me last week; I really appreciate the help.

• Who is going to fill in for the manager while he is on vacation?

  Who is going to fill in for the manager while he is on vacation?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will fill for Sarah tomorrow.

  ✓ I will fill in for Sarah tomorrow.

  You must include 'in' and 'for' together. 'Fill for' is incorrect and does not make grammatical sense.

• ✗ Can you replace me at the meeting?

  ✓ Can you fill in for me at the meeting?

  'Replace' often sounds permanent (like hiring a new person). 'Fill in for' clearly indicates a temporary substitution.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Since Mark is on vacation, Lisa will ___ him this week.

  💡 Temporarily do his job.

  Show answer

  fill in for

• Could you ___ me during the 2 PM presentation?

  💡 Substitute for me.

  Show answer

  fill in for