filled up with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled up with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is completely filled with something. For example: "The jar was filled up with candy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hollywood filled up with instant venture capitalists.

The Economist

Hospitals filled up with frostbite cases.

The Economist

Our little house filled up with tools.

The Guardian

The apartment filled up with bookcases.

The New York Times

Gradually the place filled up with Israeli Jewish families.

The New York Times

The next day, the square filled up with Yanukovych "supporters".

The New Yorker

My contacts book soon filled up with mobile phone numbers.

Independent

Their heads are filled up with pop culture fluff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Slowly but surely it filled up with Things.

The Guardian - Opinion

That day, the alley filled up with refugees.

The New Yorker

"I filled up with tears on more than one occasion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled up with" to describe something that has reached its capacity. Avoid using it when describing something that is only partially full.

Common error

Avoid using "filled up with" for purely abstract concepts where 'full of' would be more appropriate. For example, prefer "The room was full of excitement" over "The room was filled up with excitement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled up with" functions as a phrasal verb acting as a predicate adjective describing the state of a noun being completely full or occupied. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filled up with" is a grammatically correct and very common phrasal verb used to describe something that is completely full. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is broadly applicable, though it's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While alternatives like "overflowing with" or "brimming with" exist, "filled up with" provides a straightforward way to convey the idea of complete fullness. Remember to use "filled up with" when something has reached its maximum capacity and avoid using for abstract concepts. This guide provides practical insights to help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overflowing with

Suggests an abundance beyond capacity, implying spillage or excess.

brimming with

Implies being full to the point of almost overflowing, often used for positive attributes.

packed with

Emphasizes density and close arrangement of contents.

loaded with

Suggests a heavy burden or large quantity of something, often physical.

saturated with

Implies a thorough permeation or soaking with a substance.

replete with

A more formal term suggesting abundance and completeness.

teeming with

Indicates an abundance of living organisms or activity.

stocked with

Implies a deliberate provision or supply of something.

congested with

Refers to a blockage or overcrowding, often in a negative context.

inundated with

Suggests being overwhelmed by a large quantity of something, often troublesome.

FAQs

How can I use "filled up with" in a sentence?

You can use "filled up with" to describe a container or space that has reached its maximum capacity with something. For example: "The gas tank was "filled up with" fuel."

What's a good alternative to "filled up with"?

Alternatives include "overflowing with", "brimming with", or "packed with", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it always necessary to include 'up' in "filled up with"?

While "filled with" is often sufficient and more concise, "filled up with" emphasizes the action of completely filling something to its maximum capacity.

What is the difference between "filled with" and "filled up with"?

"Filled with" indicates that something contains a certain content, while "filled up with" suggests that something has been completely filled to its maximum capacity. The 'up' adds a sense of completion.