What is file? Pronunciation and usage in English

file means . Learn how to pronounce and use file through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of file

filenoun/verb

/fʌɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of file

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "file" in English. There are a couple of common ways, and they're both pretty close!

The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Sounds like: "faɪl"
    • "Fai" – Like the name Faye. The vowel sound is similar to the "i" in "time" or "kite".
    • "l" – A simple, short "l" sound.

The Pronunciation Used in British English:

  • Sounds like: "faɪl" (very similar to American)
    • "Fai" - Again, like "Faye."
    • "l" - Short "l" sound.

Tips for Saying it Correctly:

  • Emphasis on "Fai": Make sure the "Fai" part is clear and pronounced distinctly.
  • Short "l": Don't pronounce it like the "l" in "light" – it's a very brief sound.

Resources to Listen:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "file"?

Usage and examples with the word file in English

Let's break down how to use the word "file" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Things)

  • Documents: This is probably the most common usage.

    • "I need to file my taxes." (meaning: submit, send in)
    • "Please file this report with the accounting department." (meaning: put it in a physical folder or digitally)
    • "She filed a lawsuit." (meaning: formally presented a legal claim)
    • "I have a stack of bills to file." (meaning: keep organized in a folder)

  • Physical Folders/Binders:

    • "I put the documents in a manila file."
    • "He organized his research notes in a file."

  • Legal Records:

    • "The police filed a criminal complaint."
    • "The court filed a motion to dismiss the case."

  • (Informal) A Group of People: (Less common now) – Although fading in usage.

    • "A file of cars waited at the traffic light." (Meaning: A long line of cars)

2. As a Verb (Actions)

  • To Submit/Send In: (Most Common)

    • "I need to file my application online."
    • "He filed a complaint with the customer service department."
    • "She filed for divorce."

  • To Organize/Put Away (Documents):

    • "Please file these papers after you’ve read them." (meaning: put them in a folder)
    • “Can you file this letter with the others?”

  • (Formal Legal) To Record or Present: (Legal context)

    • "The lawyer filed a brief with the Supreme Court." (meaning: submitted a document to the court)

  • (Slang - UK - Less common now, but worth knowing) Used to describe a group of people waiting in a line: “There was a long file of people waiting outside the concert venue."

3. Phrases Using "File"

  • File something away: To put something away, often in a folder or drawer. “I’ll file that email away for later.”
  • File a complaint: To officially complain about something.
  • File for something: To apply for a legal right or process. (“She filed for unemployment.”)
  • File a lawsuit: To formally start a legal action.

Tips for Using "File" Correctly

  • Context is key: The meaning of "file" changes dramatically depending on the situation.
  • Consider the formality: "File" is fairly formal. You’d typically use it in official or professional contexts.
  • Be mindful of synonyms: If you're unsure, consider alternatives like "submit," "send," "organize," "record," or "present."

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "file"? (e.g., "I'm writing a report," "I'm talking about legal procedures," etc.)

Synonyms for the word file

Idioms of the word file

(in) single file
(in) one line, one behind the other
  • They made their way in single file along the cliff path.

Practice with vocabulary file

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Please ______ the meeting minutes in the shared drive for future reference.
  2. The company intends to ______ a patent application for its new technology next quarter.
  3. All historical ______ relating to the company's founding are stored in the secure vault.
  4. The administrator was asked to ______ the old project records once the new system was implemented.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. You are required to ______ your tax returns electronically this year. a) send b) file c) submit d) register
  2. The incident report was found in the HR department's confidential ______. a) folder b) brief c) file d) dossier
  3. To keep important records organized, one should ______ them meticulously. a) categorize b) arrange c) compile d) file
  4. Please gather all relevant ______ for the upcoming meeting with the legal team. a) data b) documents c) records d) papers
  5. All confidential information must be ______ securely to prevent unauthorized access. a) stored b) archived c) locked d) concealed

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. You must formally present your complaint to the police department.
  2. All the details about the new project were compiled into a single folder.
  3. The research team gathered all the necessary information for their presentation.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. file
  2. file
  3. documents
  4. archive

Exercise 2:

  1. b) file, c) submit
  2. a) folder, c) file, d) dossier
  3. a) categorize, b) arrange, d) file
  4. b) documents, c) records, d) papers
  5. a) stored, b) archived

Exercise 3:

  1. You must file a formal complaint with the police department.
  2. All the details about the new project were compiled into a single file.
  3. The research team compiled all the necessary information for their presentation.

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