could use a refill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could use a refill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something, typically a drink, is low and needs to be replenished. Example: "After finishing my coffee, I realized I could use a refill before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Looks like you could use a refill".

The New Yorker

As I was getting out of my car, a man in his 30s wearing a baseball cap and Carhartt jacket walked right up to him and asked ― with the ease of someone asking a loved one how their day had gone ― if he could use a refill for the empty coffee cup he could see held close against the young man's sunken chest. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the end, my biggest grievance with Invisible Shield was that it was empty after two months use, a refill timeline my bank account couldn't really justify.

HuffPost

Use an automatically refilling water bowl if you have a hard time remembering to refill your pet's water bowl.

WikiHow

Ironically, consumers either end up buying a plastic bottle of water, are forced to use a toilet to refill, or feel obliged to buy something from a store before asking for a refill of water.

TechCrunch

Use a reusable water bottle and refill it from your tap.

WikiHow

A five-year, $5 million study of the river by the United States Geological Survey determined that the water could be used to refill the Equus Beds aquifer if it was treated by the city.

The New York Times

Use a pressurizing machine designed for refilling fire extinguishers with a mixture of water and dry chemicals.

WikiHow

If you use a watering bucket be prepared to refill that bucket at least twice a day.

WikiHow

E-cigarettes, which use a closed-cartridge system, cannot be refilled with liquid nicotine once the cartridges run out.

Los Angeles Times

Follow the instructions provided with the toner refill kit if you are required to use a burn tool.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "could use a refill", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs replenishing. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "could use a refill" in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more direct language like "requires replenishment" or "needs to be refilled" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could use a refill" functions as a polite and indirect way of expressing a need for replenishment. It suggests that something is desired or necessary without being overly demanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could use a refill" is a grammatically sound and polite way to express the need for something to be replenished, often a beverage. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most appropriate for informal and neutral contexts, as seen in news and media. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, where more direct alternatives are preferred. The analysis of example usages, source authority, and potential writing errors helps ensure effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs a refill

Slightly more direct and less suggestive than the original phrase.

requires a refill

More formal and emphasizes the necessity of replenishing something.

could do with a top-up

Uses "top-up" instead of "refill", implying a small addition is needed.

needs topping up

Similar to 'could do with a top-up', this suggests that something is nearly empty and requires more.

is running low

Focuses on the decreasing quantity of something rather than the action of refilling.

is getting empty

Describes the state of depletion, indicating that something is becoming empty.

needs replenishing

More formal way of saying something needs to be refilled or restored.

would benefit from a refill

Highlights the positive impact of refilling something, suggesting an improvement.

warrants a refill

Implies that there is a good reason or justification for needing a refill.

is due for a refill

Suggests that a refill is expected or scheduled.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "could use a refill"?

Saying someone "could use a refill" generally means they need more of something, most commonly a beverage, but it can be used figuratively to suggest they need more of something else, like rest or energy.

What are some alternative ways to say "could use a refill"?

Alternatives include "needs a refill", "requires a refill", or "could do with a top-up" depending on the context.

Is "could use a refill" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "could use a refill" is generally more appropriate for informal settings. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "requires replenishment".

How can I use "could use a refill" in a sentence?

You might say, "After that long meeting, I could really use a refill of coffee", indicating you want more coffee. The phrase is used to express a need for more of something.