1 B2 formal
To formally submit an official document, complaint, or legal action to the appropriate authority.
"She filed a complaint with the labour board about the unsafe working conditions."
inseparable
file with
B2 formal inseparable transitive
To formally submit or lodge an official document with an authority, court, or organization.
In plain English
To officially give a document to the right office or authority.
What does "file with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 formal
To register or record a legal document with a court or official body.
"The company filed for bankruptcy with the federal court."
inseparable
Usage tip
Primarily used in legal, governmental, and bureaucratic contexts. The preposition 'with' is followed by the authority (court, agency, office). Common in phrases like 'file a complaint with', 'file a lawsuit with', 'file a tax return with'.
Words that pair with "file with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
complaint lawsuit petition claim motion return
How to conjugate "file with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
file with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
files with
he/she/it
Past simple
filed with
yesterday
Past participle
filed with
have + pp
-ing form
filing with
continuous
Hear "file with" in the wild
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Keep exploring
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