needs to be filled

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs to be filled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something requires information to be added or supplied. For example: "This form needs to be filled out before it can be submitted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet a vacuum needs to be filled.

The New York Times

"It needs to be filled," Ms. Simo said.

The New York Times

The void needs to be filled, the treacle thinned.

The Economist

"Now there is a gap that needs to be filled".

The New York Times

This is a knowledge gap that needs to be filled.

Nature

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

The Economist

The position of commerce secretary is already vacant and needs to be filled.

The New York Times

Assume, then, that Snoop Lion is onto something — that a hole needs to be filled.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are dealing with a physical product that needs to be filled".

The New York Times

This form needs to be filled out and submitted to the Manager of ODS for processing.

Columbia University

"But I feel my spiritual side needs to be filled back up".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be filled", ensure the subject requiring completion is clearly identified to maintain clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be filled" without specifying what exactly requires filling. For example, instead of saying "The gap needs to be filled", specify "The skills gap needs to be filled with adequate training programs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be filled" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject requires completion or occupation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Examples show its utility in contexts ranging from job positions to abstract gaps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be filled" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight a requirement or deficiency, urging action to complete or occupy something. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase is particularly common in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Remember to clearly specify the subject that requires filling to avoid vagueness and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be filled

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal.

must be completed

Highlights the obligation to finalize something.

is required to be filled

More formal and emphasizes necessity.

requires completion

Focuses on the necessity of finishing something.

remains to be filled

Indicates that something is still lacking.

demands to be occupied

Emphasizes the need for something to take up space.

calls for completion

Highlights an explicit need for something to be done.

should be fulfilled

Indicates a recommendation for something to be satisfied.

wants to be filled

Personalizes the requirement, suggesting a strong desire.

begs to be completed

Uses figurative language to emphasize the need.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be filled" to describe a requirement for completion or occupation. For example, "This form "needs to be filled out"", or "The position "needs to be filled" quickly".

What are some alternatives to "needs to be filled"?

Alternatives include "requires completion", "must be completed", or "has to be filled", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to say "needs to be filled" or "needs to be filled out"?

While both are correct, "needs to be filled out" is typically used when referring to forms or documents that require information. "Needs to be filled" is more general and can apply to various contexts.

Which is the correct usage: "a gap that needs to be filled" or "a gap that needs filling"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a gap that needs to be filled" is more formal and emphasizes the passive action. "A gap that needs filling" is more concise and active in tone.