fill a vacancy

USAGE SUMMARY

"fill a vacancy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as job listings, company announcements, or even in personal statements. Example: "Our company is currently looking to fill a vacancy for the position of marketing manager. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The state Constitution allows a chief justice to fill a vacancy "when necessary".

The New York Times

In 1923 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The president and the Senate need plenty of time to fill a vacancy".

The New York Times

After winning the governorship in 1924, he almost immediately resigned to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He did return a decade later as district attorney, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy in early 1974.

The New York Times

Comptroller Mr. McCall was appointed state comptroller in 1993 by the Legislature to fill a vacancy, then was elected twice.

The New York Times

To fill a vacancy, the president chooses a nominee from a group recommended by a local commission.

The Washington Post

At this stage, he can fill a vacancy at right guard or right tackle or be a high-quality utility backup.

The New York Times

Pope returned to the General Assembly in 1999, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy; he then won another term.

The New Yorker

(Like his son, Harry Sr .was initially appointed to the Senate to fill a vacancy, after the resignation of Claude A. Swanson).

The New York Times

Bradley was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Electoral Commission of 1877, and his vote elected Rutherford B. Hayes president of the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about filling a vacancy, be specific about the type of vacancy. State whether it is a job, a position on a board, or another type of role.

Common error

Do not use "fill a vacancy" when a more descriptive phrase would be clearer. For example, specify "fill a board seat vacancy" instead of just "fill a vacancy" if the context is a board.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fill a vacancy" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of occupying or assigning someone to an unoccupied position or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common and accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fill a vacancy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe occupying an open position. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, and numerous examples show its prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While versatile, be specific about the type of vacancy. As a last recommendation, always consider context when using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take over a vacant role

Implies assuming responsibilities in a position that is currently unoccupied.

staff an empty slot

Focuses on the act of assigning personnel to a specific unoccupied position.

occupy an open position

Focuses on the act of taking over a vacant role or job.

appoint someone to a post

Suggests a formal assignment of an individual to a specific position or duty.

find a substitute

Emphasizes the act of locating a temporary replacement.

address a deficiency

Highlights the act of correcting or improving an area that lacks something.

recruit for an opening

Emphasizes the process of seeking candidates to occupy an available position.

designate a replacement

Highlights the selection of someone to substitute a previous incumbent.

fill a void

This phrase broadens the meaning to not necessarily be a job, but an immaterial void that needs to be filled.

assign duties to a newcomer

Implies distributing responsibilities among newly appointed individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "fill a vacancy" in a sentence?

You can use "fill a vacancy" to describe the act of finding someone to occupy an open position. For example, "The company is looking to fill a vacancy in the marketing department".

What are some alternatives to "fill a vacancy"?

Alternatives include "occupy an open position", "take over a vacant role", or "staff an empty slot", depending on the context.

Is it formal or informal to say "fill a vacancy"?

"Fill a vacancy" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Which is the best way to "fill a vacancy", through internal promotion or external hiring?

The best approach depends on organizational needs and available talent. Internal promotion can boost morale, while external hiring may bring fresh perspectives. It's important to assess requirements before choosing how to "fill a vacancy".