fill the position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fill the position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in professional contexts, such as when announcing a job opening or recruiting new employees to fill a vacancy. For example, "We're looking for an experienced accountant to fill the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The company official said he was in a hurry to fill the position.

The New York Times

Mr. Vinegrad will fill the position held by Loretta E. Lynch, who steps down on Friday.

The New York Times

"It has been difficult to fill the position," Mrs. Caruso said.

The New York Times

General Manager Steve Phillips said Monday his first choice is to fill the position from within.

The New York Times - Sports

Villa said that Lambert will look to fill the position "as soon as is practically possible".

The Guardian - Sport

You want to fill the position; they want the position filled.

The Guardian

Furthermore, teams could just as well fill the position with a free agent.

The New York Times - Sports

Nets President Rod Thorn said he had no specific plans to fill the position.

The New York Times - Sports

In seeking to fill the position, Mr. Bush has faced a quandary.

The New York Times

The owners "needed to fill the position of chef and I was available," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Lamberg, 47, will effectively fill the position vacated by David Renzer, who left in April.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about filling a position, be specific about the required skills and experience to attract qualified candidates. Use action verbs to describe the responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "the position needs to be filled" as they are less direct. Instead, use active voice such as "we need to fill the position" for a clearer and more engaging message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fill the position" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of finding a suitable candidate to occupy a specific role or job, ensuring that its responsibilities are met. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fill the position" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of finding a suitable candidate for a job or role. As Ludwig shows, it is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications. While "fill the position" is generally neutral in tone, it's important to use precise language and active voice for clarity and impact. Consider related phrases like "occupy the post" or "appoint to the role" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupy the post

This alternative focuses on the act of holding a specific job or office, emphasizing the current state.

appoint to the role

This phrase highlights the act of officially assigning someone to a specific role or function.

recruit for the vacancy

This emphasizes the recruitment process aimed at filling an open position.

be named to the position

This emphasizes the act of being officially designated for a specific role or function.

take up the duties

This focuses on assuming the responsibilities associated with a particular position.

step into the shoes

This idiomatic expression suggests replacing someone and assuming their responsibilities.

assume the mantle

This phrase implies taking on a leadership role or significant responsibility.

secure the appointment

This highlights the successful acquisition of a designated role or position.

inhabit the chair

Implies a formal occupation of a leadership position, suggesting control and authority.

place someone in office

This focuses on the action of putting someone into a position of authority or responsibility.

FAQs

What does it mean to "fill the position"?

To "fill the position" means to find a suitable person to occupy a vacant role or job, ensuring that the responsibilities and duties associated with it are fulfilled.

How can I use "fill the position" in a sentence?

You can use "fill the position" in a sentence like: "The company is actively seeking candidates to "occupy the post" of marketing director."

What are some alternatives to saying "fill the position"?

Some alternatives to "fill the position" include "appoint to the role", "recruit for the vacancy", or "take up the duties", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "fill the position" internally or externally?

Whether to "fill the position" internally or externally depends on the organization's needs. Internal candidates offer familiarity, while external candidates may bring fresh perspectives and skills.