should be filled with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be filled with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something ought to contain or include specific elements or qualities. Example: "The garden should be filled with vibrant flowers to attract butterflies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And we should be filled with absolute determination to make the most of it.

The New York Times

The pond should be filled with rainwater, so use a water butt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He should be filled with nothing but regret, because she was not prepared for this race.

The New York Times

We should be filled with awe and joy at what lies over the horizon.

The New York Times

Museums, schools and public places should be filled with the art of our own time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The moat of the Tower should be filled with barbed wire and bones.

The Guardian - Arts

Any Asian food store worth its salt should be filled with boxes of them right now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I should be filled with both trepidation and excitement about the opportunities a new decade could bring.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rule No. 1 for me is I don't believe bags in movies should be filled with little ghost turds".

The New Yorker

At this point your kitchen should be filled with a garlicky aroma, but we're not there yet, so don't dip your challah!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The greatest aesthetic thinker of the middle ages, Abbot Suger of St-Denis, argued that the house of God should be filled with light, like a mystic palace.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be filled with", ensure that the subject is capable of being filled in a literal or figurative sense. For example, "The vase should be filled with flowers" or "The report should be filled with data."

Common error

Avoid using "should be filled with" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Opt for active voice where appropriate to make your writing more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be filled with" primarily functions as a modal passive construction, indicating an expectation, recommendation, or requirement for a subject to contain certain elements. Ludwig examples confirm its widespread use in expressing desired content or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

26%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be filled with" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express recommendations, expectations, or requirements regarding the content or composition of something. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is very common across various domains, particularly in news, science, and general writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on the context. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is capable of being "filled" either literally or figuratively and consider active voice alternatives for more direct and engaging writing. Alternatives to "should be filled with" include "ought to contain", "should include", and "must be filled with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to contain

Replaces the modal verb "should" with "ought to", maintaining a similar sense of obligation or expectation.

should contain

Removes "be filled with" turning into an active voice, focusing on the action of containing.

should include

Similar to "contain", but emphasizing inclusion rather than complete occupancy.

must be filled with

Substitutes "should" with "must", indicating a stronger degree of necessity or requirement.

needs to be filled with

Replaces "should" with "needs to", suggesting a requirement based on necessity.

is expected to be filled with

Introduces an element of expectation, shifting the focus from obligation to anticipation.

is required to be filled with

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of the filling, suitable for formal contexts.

is meant to be filled with

Suggests that the intended purpose or design involves the filling of something.

is designed to be filled with

Focuses on the design aspect, indicating that the filling is an integral part of the object's function.

is intended to be filled with

Similar to "meant to be", but highlighting the intention behind the filling.

FAQs

How can I use "should be filled with" in a sentence?

The phrase "should be filled with" is used to express an expectation or recommendation about what something ought to contain. For instance, "The glass "should be filled with" water" or "The essay "should be filled with" supporting evidence".

What are some alternatives to "should be filled with"?

Alternatives include "ought to contain", "should include", or "must be filled with". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "should be filled with" and "must be filled with"?

"Should be filled with" suggests a recommendation or expectation, whereas "must be filled with" implies a stronger requirement or necessity. The choice depends on the degree of obligation you want to express.

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

"Should be filled with" implies a more complete occupancy, while "should contain" suggests that something includes some elements, but not necessarily to capacity. "Should contain" is less forceful and could apply to cases where the item being discussed might have other things in it as well.