Englishfor English speakers
file
Noun
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A file is a set of papers or records on a specific issue, person, etc.
The letter should be in the file on the Herzog problem.
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A file is a set of information that can be opened, changed, and saved by a computer program.
My computer won't read the Word file you e-mailed me last night.
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A file is a place to keep papers organised.
Can you put this receipt in the file?
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A file is a tool with rough sides that you rub against something to make it smooth.
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A file is a line of people.
file
Verb
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If you file papers or documents, you put them away in an organised way in one place.
I filed the letter under "t" for taxes.
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If you file a report or a story, you submit it to your employer or editor.
What time did you file that story about the car crash?
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If you file a complaint, you make an official complaint.
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If people file somewhere, they go there in a line.
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If you file something, you rub it with a file to make it smooth.
She went to the store for a manicure, which involves filing and polishing the nails.
format
Noun
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The format of some writing is the way it is organized: the size and colour of the letters, the way it is divided into parts, the kind of words used.
What format do you want the report written in?
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(computers) The format of some writing is the kind of computer program you need to be able to read it.
I can't read that page you sent me. My computer doesn't read that format.
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Something's format is its style, type, organisation, etc.
The format of the meeting will be quite casual.
format
Verb
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Someone formats some writing when make it have a particular format.
How should I format the report?
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(computers) Someone formats a computer disk when they prepare a disk for writing and reading.
You need to format the disk before you can copy those files onto it.