need to be filled in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be filled in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something that needs to be completed isn't finished or has been left blank. For example: "Please fill out the form below. Any blanks that need to be filled in are marked with an asterisk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Tech industry analysts such as the 451 Group, an important conduit to all these constituencies, need to be filled in as well.

The New York Times

I guess I need to be filled in!

Huffington Post

Ensure that are no areas that need to be filled in with additional eye black.

WikiHow

If you have some spaces that need to be filled in, go back and gently add more color.

WikiHow

"There are lots of holes that need to be filled in this neighborhood," she said.

The New York Times

Dr. Shirley said there are lots of nursing positions that need to be filled in the state.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Basically, a lot more of the technical detail needs to be filled in.

The Economist

"A yawning chasm needs to be filled in British politics between Corbyn and Cameron," he said.

The Guardian

He worked on it until his death, leaving a raggedy patch of unstitched sky that still needed to be filled in.

The Guardian - Arts

b) A data form with codes pre-assigned to each Petri dish, and with required pertinent information that needs to be filled in by the tree care specialist during sampling (samples returned without all complete information will not be processed).

University of California, Berkeley

The new person (the student) doesn't know the prior history of the groups (who hates whom, who used to date whom, for example) and needs to be filled in on the back story.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "need to be filled in", ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing or incomplete. For example, specify which fields, gaps, or areas require completion.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be filled in" without specifying what requires completion. Be precise to prevent confusion. Example: Instead of "Some details need to be filled in", specify "The 'Address' and 'Phone Number' fields need to be filled in."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be filled in" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a requirement for completion. Ludwig AI confirms this construction is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show its use across diverse contexts from forms to knowledge gaps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be filled in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something requires completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various sources, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's crucial to specify what exactly "need to be filled in" to avoid ambiguity. Formal alternatives like "require completion" can be used in highly formal contexts, but "need to be filled in" remains a clear and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require completion

Emphasizes the necessity of finishing something that is incomplete.

must be completed

Highlights the obligation or requirement to finalize something.

require to be supplemented

Focuses on the need to add extra information or details.

must be supplemented

Indicates an obligation to add further details or information.

require further elaboration

Highlights the need for more detailed explanation or development.

must be elaborated further

Indicates that additional details or explanations are required.

need to be clarified

Emphasizes the necessity for making something clearer or more understandable.

require clarification

Highlights the need for more clarity or explanation.

must be addressed

Focuses on the necessity of dealing with or resolving an issue or gap.

require addressing

Indicates that an issue or gap must be dealt with.

FAQs

How can I use "need to be filled in" in a sentence?

You can use "need to be filled in" to indicate that something is incomplete and requires completion. For example: "The application form needs to be filled in completely before submission."

What are some alternatives to "need to be filled in"?

Alternatives include "require completion", "must be completed", or "require further elaboration", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "needs to be filled in" or "should be filled in"?

"Needs to be filled in" emphasizes a requirement, while "should be filled in" suggests a recommendation. The choice depends on whether the completion is mandatory or optional.

When is it appropriate to use "need to be filled in" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing to indicate gaps or incomplete sections. However, more formal alternatives such as "require completion" may be preferred in highly formal contexts.