they have filled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have filled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a subject has completed the action of filling something, often in the present perfect tense to show relevance to the present. Example: "They have filled the application forms and submitted them for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They have filled it with antiques.

The New York Times

They have filled her with dismay.

The New York Times

So, how should they have filled that roster spot?

The New York Times - Sports

They have filled buildings — homes, schools, mosques — that were left vacant or had been under construction.

The New Yorker

That is a role they have filled repeatedly in the last two decades.

The New York Times

"It is a practical fact that they have filled up their roster," he said.

The New York Times

They have filled out prison forms giving instructions for what they wanted done with their bodies.

The New York Times - Magazine

They have filled it with furniture original to the period when Kunitz lived there — throne chairs, majolica, Oriental rugs.

The New Yorker

At my request, they have filled the two planters out in front with colorful flowers — geraniums and petunias.

The New York Times

They have filled books with stories of cut-price Indian hospitals and Chinese firms that make $100 computers.

The Economist

This has been the Pogues' 30th anniversary year and they have filled the O2 Arena with celebrants.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they have filled", ensure the context clearly indicates what "they" refers to and what has been filled. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they have filled" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying, "The forms have been filled by them", opt for "They have filled the forms" for a more direct and active tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have filled" primarily functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. This indicates that a group ("they") has completed the action of filling something. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they have filled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that a group has completed the action of filling something. As Ludwig AI indicates, its versatile application across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, underscores its reliability. To use it effectively, ensure clarity in defining "they" and what is being filled, while avoiding overuse in passive constructions. Common alternatives include "they have occupied", "they have completed" and "they have stocked", allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they've populated

Uses 'populated' instead of 'filled', emphasizing the act of inhabiting or occupying a space.

they have occupied

Replaces 'filled' with 'occupied', suggesting a more formal or deliberate taking of space.

they've completed

Substitutes 'filled' with 'completed', focusing on the finishing of a task or process rather than occupying a space.

they have packed

Uses 'packed' instead of 'filled', suggesting that something has been carefully or securely placed into a container or space.

they have stocked

Uses 'stocked' instead of 'filled', implying that something has been supplied or provided in abundance.

they have loaded up

Adds 'up' to 'loaded', suggesting that the action of loading has been done completely or thoroughly.

they have loaded

Replaces 'filled' with 'loaded', suggesting that something has been loaded or burdened to full capacity.

they have crammed in

Adds 'in' to 'crammed', emphasizing that the action of cramming has been directed into a specific space.

they have crammed

Substitutes 'filled' with 'crammed', implying that something has been forcefully packed or squeezed into a space.

they have provided

Replaces 'filled' with 'provided', implying that something has been supplied or offered.

FAQs

How can I use "they have filled" in a sentence?

You can use "they have filled" to describe a completed action, such as "they have filled the seats" or "they have filled the void".

What are some alternatives to "they have filled"?

Alternatives include "they have occupied", "they have completed", or "they have stocked", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they have filled"?

Yes, "they have filled" is grammatically correct. It is the present perfect tense of the verb "fill", used to describe an action completed by a group of people.

What's the difference between "they have filled" and "they filled"?

"They have filled" indicates an action completed at an unspecified time in the past that has relevance to the present. "They filled" refers to a completed action at a specific time in the past.