fulfil

USAGE SUMMARY

'fulfil' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a feeling of achieving a goal or objective. Example Sentence: She was proud to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 2 million people from other EU states who live in Britain will be forced to have resident permits or identity cards if David Cameron is to fulfil his pledge to make rules on access to public services for new migrants the toughest in Europe.

The Guardian

"We look to Australia and other partners that we'll have the opportunity to meet with at the G20 to fulfil the commitments they've made and do more, quite frankly," Rice told the Australian Financial Review in comments published on Monday.

The Guardian

We will fulfil our mission until the end".

The Guardian

They include consent, legal obligation, to fulfil a contract with an individual, to protect life, and so on.

The Guardian - Opinion

That doesn't mean that one can fulfil all wishes, but it means that elsewhere one perhaps can think about what is very important for Britain," Merkel said.

The Guardian

Twelve years ago, he left to go to Europe to fulfil a dream.

The Guardian

I don't know whether it's a west of Scotland work ethic or whatever, but I feel that it's my responsibility to fulfil that for them.

The Guardian - Film

But if that primitive resonance is not achieved, storytellers are failing to fulfil what is perhaps their primary function, which is therapeutic – to act as an echo chamber to our deepest fears and desires, and thus help to integrate them into a healthy personality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The leaked document showed that during the preparations for a hung parliament the Lib Dems still intended to fulfil that commitment.

The Guardian

Western officials said on Friday Iran would have to fulfil a list of conditions in order to benefit from the bulk lifting of economic and financial sanctions, including an EU oil embargo and exclusion from the Swift electronic banking system.

The Guardian

In fact, research shows that the academic pressure to fulfil potential put on children from such a young age can lead to huge self-esteem problems in their teenage years, when striving for perfectionism does not deliver the goods.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fulfil", ensure that the subject is capable of meeting the requirements or demands being placed upon it.

Common error

Avoid using "fulfil" interchangeably with words like "fill". "Fulfil" implies meeting a specific requirement or obligation, whereas "fill" simply means to make something full. For instance, you "fulfil" a promise but "fill" a glass.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fulfil" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating that someone or something is completing or satisfying a specific requirement or obligation. Ludwig AI validates this, with numerous examples showing its use in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Arts

4%

Sport

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "fulfil" is a grammatically sound and frequently used transitive verb, particularly common in News & Media sources. It communicates the act of completing tasks, meeting obligations, or realizing ambitions. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's important to remember that "fulfil" (British English) and "fulfill" (American English) are both correct, and that using "fulfil" appropriately involves distinguishing it from similar-sounding words like "fill". Considering these insights will help writers use "fulfil" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry out

Focuses on the execution aspect of the task or duty.

accomplish

Emphasizes the successful completion of a goal or task.

complete

Highlights bringing something to an end, often a project or assignment.

execute

Suggests a planned and deliberate action to achieve a result.

discharge

Implies fulfilling a responsibility or obligation.

satisfy

Indicates meeting a requirement or expectation.

achieve

Stresses the attainment of a desired outcome or objective.

realize

Highlights the actualization of a plan or ambition.

make good on

Emphasizes fulfilling a promise or commitment.

adhere to

Focuses on complying with rules or agreements.

FAQs

How can I use "fulfil" in a sentence?

You can use "fulfil" to describe completing a task, satisfying a condition, or realizing an ambition. For example, "The company aims to "fulfil" all customer orders promptly" or "She worked hard to "fulfil" her potential".

What are some alternatives to "fulfil"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "accomplish", "complete", "achieve", "satisfy", or "carry out". Choose the word that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "fulfil" or "fulfill" the correct spelling?

"Fulfil" is the preferred spelling in British English, while "fulfill" is more common in American English. Both are considered correct, but usage depends on regional preferences.

What is the difference between "fulfil" and "fill"?

"Fulfil" means to complete or satisfy a condition, promise, or need. For example, "to "fulfil" a dream". "Fill", on the other hand, means to make something full. They are not interchangeable.