must be filled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'must be filled' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a requirement or obligation that must be met. For example: All visa application forms must be filled out completely and accurately.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The post must be filled within a month.

The Economist

Those paper forms must be filled out and mailed back.

The New York Times - Tech

Then they must be filled out and mailed.

The New York Times

It must be filled with potato, swede, onion and beef.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In general, he explained, leadership positions at the agency must be filled by Baptists.

The New York Times - Magazine

A sign at the clerk's window says job applications "must be filled out in this office".

The New York Times

By law, the new board's seats must be filled by Oct. 28.

The New York Times

The law will take its course, but the consequent vacuum of power in world football must be filled.

Independent

An NHS deficit of £30bn is predicted by 2020 – a funding black hole that must be filled.

Independent

"Our view is that balance must be restored on that court, and the empty seats must be filled".

The New York Times

All other vacancies, including that of the police chief, must be filled by promotions from within the ranks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be filled" to describe a required action, ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly defined. For example, "The application form must be filled completely" is clearer than "It must be filled."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "must be filled" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "needs to be filled" or "should be filled" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be filled" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating an obligation or necessity for something to be occupied or completed. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is generally deemed grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be filled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a requirement or obligation. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and versatile across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications and wikis. The formality level adjusts based on the source, being more formal in academic and business settings and more relaxed in informal conversations. Remember to ensure the subject is clear and to consider more casual alternatives in informal settings. Related phrases like "needs to be completed" and "is required to be filled" offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required to be filled

Emphasizes the requirement aspect more strongly, suitable for formal contexts.

is essential to fill

Highlights the importance or essential nature of the action of filling.

needs to be completed

Focuses on the action of completing something, implying a requirement for completion rather than just being occupied.

urgently needs filling

Highlights the urgency of the situation, especially regarding a role or position.

must be occupied by

Specifies what or who should occupy the space or position, adding a level of detail.

has to be occupied

Highlights the state of being occupied, emphasizing that the space or position needs to have something or someone in it.

demands to be filled

Emphasizes the urgency or strong need to fill a certain role or area.

should be populated

Suggests that an area or space needs to have inhabitants or data.

is indispensable to complete

Stresses that completion of something is impossible without filling.

has to be supplied

Implies that something is lacking and needs to be provided or added.

FAQs

How can I use "must be filled" in a sentence?

The phrase "must be filled" indicates a requirement or necessity. For example, "All fields on the form "must be filled in"" or "The vacant position "must be filled" immediately."

What are some alternatives to "must be filled"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "needs to be completed", "is required to be filled", or "has to be occupied". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "must be filled" or "must be filled in"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""must be filled in"" is generally used when referring to forms, applications, or documents, while "must be filled" can be used in a broader context.

What's the difference between "must be filled" and "should be filled"?

"Must be filled" implies a stronger obligation or requirement, while "should be filled" suggests a recommendation or advisability. The choice depends on the level of necessity you want to express.