How to complete an application form in English – A1 beginner writing lesson with an example form, tips and exercises
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation
Library card application
| First name | MIKE |
|---|---|
| Last name | ESPOSA-HERNANDEZ |
| Date of birth | 08/11/1991 |
| Address | 4 CHARLES ROAD, GLOUCESTER |
| Postcode | GL1 3ZE |
| Phone | 07796 345678 |
| m.esposa@example.com |
I declare the information provided is correct.
Signature Mike Esposa-Hernandez
Date 03/07/2018
Your checklist
Have you got everything you need?
[ ✔ ] a passport photo
[ ✔ ] a copy of my passport or other photo ID
[ ✔ ] proof of address
Your card will be issued within 15 days and sent to the address provided.
Key vocabulary for forms
When you complete an application form, you often see these words and phrases. Understanding them will help you fill in forms correctly.
Personal Information
- First name
- Last name / Surname
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Age
- Nationality
Contact details
- Address
- Postcode
- Phone number
- Mobile number
- Email address
Identification
- Passport
- Photo ID
- Passport photo
- Proof of address
Vocabulary for completing forms
- Application form
- Signature
- Date
- Information provided
- Declaration
- Required field
- Please complete
- Tick the box
- Submit
Many of these terms appear on real-world forms for libraries, schools, clubs, healthcare services, travel documents and online registrations.
Date Formats and Form Conventions
When filling in forms, it is important to follow local writing conventions and present information clearly.
1. Writing Dates Correctly
Date formats are not the same in every country.
United Kingdom (UK):
- DD/MM/YYYY
- Example: 01/09/2018
- Meaning: 1 September 2018
United States (US):
- MM/DD/YYYY
- Example: 09/01/2018
- Meaning: September 1, 2018
Because the numbers can be interpreted differently, always check which format is required before completing a form.
2. Using Capital Letters
Many paper forms ask you to write in capital letters (BLOCK CAPITALS) because they are easier to read.
Example:
- Mike Esposa-Hernandez → MIKE ESPOSA-HERNANDEZ
- 4 Charles Road → 4 CHARLES ROAD
Email addresses and signatures are usually written in their normal format.
3. Entering Information Exactly
Always copy personal information carefully.
Check:
- spelling of names
- numbers in addresses
- postcode details
- phone numbers
- email addresses
Small mistakes can cause delays or problems with applications.
Before you submit
Use this simple checklist:
- Capital letters used except for email and signature
- Dates written in the correct format
- Ask for help if you don't understand
- All required fields completed
- Names spelled correctly
- Contact details checked
Following these conventions will help you complete English-language forms accurately and professionally.
Hello mirtha,
Filled up means to make something full. It often describes the physical state of a container. A car can be filled up with petrol or gasoline, for example, or a cup can be filled up with a drink. A calendar can be filled up with meetings.
Filled in or filled out can both describe a form or document which is completed with information. You might fill out (fill in) a form when you apply for a passport, for example.
You can check the meanings of words like this in any good dictionary, where you'll find the full range of meanings with examples:
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fill-up
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fill-in
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fill-out
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Thank you very much for the information, Peter. It'll be very useful for me.