fill up with

USAGE SUMMARY

"fill up with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the context of filling an area with something. For example, "We need to fill up with sand to even out the ground beneath the swimming pool."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their arms fill up with clothing.

The Washington Post

HSBC's Twitter feed started to fill up with angry customers.

Independent

It was beginning to fill up with sleek furniture.

The New Yorker

Have some jugs to fill up with water".

The New York Times

Guttering can quickly fill up with leaves and debris.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When macrophages fill up with unhealthy cholesterol, they secrete a protein called netrin-1.

Harvard University

Sometimes Corrie would fill up with tears, hiding her face against him.

The New Yorker

The room starts to fill up with performers at tonight's extravaganza.

Independent

They can fill up with petrol, ethanol (alcohol) or any combination of the two.

The Economist

Surfaces fill up with fat lozenge and chevron shapes that melt and ooze, Dalí-clock style.

The New York Times - Arts

Wine cellars fill up with wine that will never be drunk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fill up with", ensure the object being filled and the substance filling it are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "fill the glass up with water" instead of just "fill up with water".

Common error

While acceptable, "fill up with" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider stronger verbs or nouns that convey fullness or saturation more precisely. For example, instead of "The report filled up with data", try "The report was replete with data".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fill up with" is a phrasal verb, serving as a transitive verb that requires a direct object. It describes the action of making something full of something else. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and in wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

24%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Fill up with" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of making something full, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki content, it serves to communicate the completion of an object or space with a particular substance or content. While its register is generally neutral, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives. When using "fill up with", ensure clarity regarding what is being filled and with what substance. Be cautious of overusing it in formal writing where more sophisticated vocabulary could enhance the text. Ludwig’s examples demonstrate its versatility across various scenarios, from literal fillings to figurative ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become full of

Focuses on the state of being completely occupied.

be filled with

Passive voice emphasizing the result of the filling process.

get filled with

Emphasizes the action of becoming full, often unexpectedly.

be replete with

More formal, indicating abundance and satisfaction.

be saturated with

Implies a thorough and complete permeation.

brim with

Suggests a fullness ready to spill over.

overflow with

Suggests an excess beyond capacity.

swell with

Suggests a gradual increase in volume or intensity.

teem with

Describes something abundant and swarming.

abound in

Similar to 'teem with' but may be less intense.

FAQs

How is "fill up with" used in a sentence?

"Fill up with" indicates the action of making something full. For example, "Fill up with gas before the long drive", or "The room started to "fill up with" people".

What are some synonyms for "fill up with"?

Alternatives include "become full of", "be filled with", or "brim with", depending on the context.

Is "fill up with" formal or informal?

"Fill up with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. However, remember to evaluate the context and choose the most appropriate phrase.

What's the difference between "fill up with" and "filled with"?

"Fill up with" describes the action of making something full, whereas "filled with" describes the state of being full. For instance, "I will fill up the tank with gas" (action), vs. "The tank is filled with gas" (state).