file

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitiveformal

   To formally hand in a document or claim to an official body so that it is on record.

   Grammar: Takes an object: file a complaint; no object appears with for: file for divorce.

   Patterns

   • file something with someone
   • file for something
   • file a claim

   She filed a complaint with the city council about the noise.

   You must file your tax return by the end of April.

   The company filed for bankruptcy last week.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To put papers or records away in an organized order so they can be found later.

   Grammar: Often takes away or under: file the letters away, file it under B.

   Patterns

   • file something away
   • file something under something

   Please file these receipts in the green folder.

   He filed the contracts alphabetically by client.

   I filed the invoice under expenses.

3. 3verbintransitive

   To walk one behind another in a line.

   Grammar: No object; used with a direction word: they filed out of the room.

   Patterns

   • file in
   • file out
   • file past something

   The students filed quietly into the hall.

   Mourners filed past the coffin to pay their respects.

   After the show, the audience filed out through the main doors.

4. 4verbtransitive

   To rub or smooth something with a hard, rough tool.

   Grammar: Often followed by down or away: file down the edge.

   Patterns

   • file something down
   • file something smooth

   He filed the rough edge of the key until it fit.

   She filed her nails before the party.

   The carpenter filed the metal down to remove the sharp corner.

5. 5nouncountable

   A collection of papers, records or computer data stored under one name.

   Grammar: A countable noun: open a file, three files.

   Patterns

   • a file on someone
   • save a file
   • open a file

   The police have a file on the case.

   Save the file before closing the program.

   I keep a file of all my old bank statements.

Word forms

Common combinations

file a lawsuit

The tenants filed a lawsuit against the landlord.

file a report

The officer filed a report within an hour.

file for divorce

After two years apart, they filed for divorce.

file taxes

Most people file taxes online now.

file away

She filed away the letter and forgot about it.

file out

The class filed out when the bell rang.

Synonyms and how they differ

submit

Submit is a general word for handing something in, but file implies an official record is created.

lodge

Lodge is more formal and is used for complaints or appeals, with a similar sense to file.

organize

Organize means to put things in order, while file specifically means to store papers in a set place.

march

March suggests a regular, rhythmic walk in a group, whereas file simply means walking in a line.

Opposites

Word family

filing noun

the act of submitting a document officially, or stored papers

filer noun

a person who files, especially tax returns

refile verb

to file again

filings noun

tiny scraps of metal removed by a tool, or official documents submitted

Commonly confused: file or phial?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “file”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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