I am confused by fill and fill in. I checked online, and both forms are used in
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fill a hole
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fill in a hole
So I am wondering is there any difference in meaning between them? If not, what's the meaning of in? What is the function of in "fill in"?
Learn English – the difference between “fill” and “fill in”
meaningphrasal-verbsprepositions
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Best Answer
In this context, to me, fill in suggests that the hole is removed, i.e. filled with the substance of its surroundings. Fill could mean this too, but is a little less particular. Other than that they seem about the same.
For example, "The man was so big that he completely filled the hole" expresses that the hole was occupied by a large man. But you wouldn't say the man "filled in" the hole.