unfilled places

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfilled places" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to vacancies or positions that have not yet been filled, such as in a job context or in a seating arrangement. Example: "Due to the high turnover rate, we currently have several unfilled places in our department that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Clearing matches students with unfilled places on courses.

The Guardian

The Department for Education said that it was common for schools to have unfilled places.

The Guardian

Another option is to go through clearing, which matches students with unfilled places on courses.

The Guardian

Labour's Tristram Hunt said the number of schools with unfilled places represented a "damning indictment" of the overall policy.

The Guardian

The government's new free schools, however, are opening in areas where there are too many unfilled places.

The Guardian

"She was seventh on the school's waiting list," Oglesby says, "yet there were six unfilled places of which two were for children who had in fact gone private.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Last year, graduates with excellent degrees in shortage subjects such as maths and physics went without a training place because there was no mechanism to transfer the unfilled School Direct places to universities.

The Guardian

One in five of the coalition's free schools are opening in parts of the country where there are too many unfilled school places, it has emerged.

The Guardian

Now 28 universities still have American studies places unfilled, and they include many at well-regarded institutions - Essex, Keele, Kent and Swansea among them.

The Guardian

The data showed 14 had significant spare capacity, many with either a half or a third of their places unfilled.

BBC

One in nine primary schools is operating with at least 60% of its places unfilled, figures obtained by the BBC suggest.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about institutions like schools or universities, use "unfilled places" to highlight the impact of low enrollment on funding and resources.

Common error

Avoid using "unfilled places" when referring to abstract concepts or emotional states; this phrase is best suited for physical or organizational spaces. Instead use "unsatisfied" or "unfulfilled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfilled places" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the existence of vacancies or available spots within a particular context, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfilled places" is a common noun phrase used to describe vacancies or available spots, particularly in educational or organizational contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, remember to use this phrase to denote concrete vacancies rather than abstract concepts. Consider "vacant positions" or "available spots" as related alternatives to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unfilled vacancies

A more formal way of saying unfilled positions, often used in official announcements.

Vacant positions

Focuses on the lack of people in specific roles or jobs, instead of general spaces.

Available spots

Refers to spaces that are currently free and ready for use, typically in a less formal context.

Spare places

Indicates extra or unused spaces, emphasizing availability.

Open slots

Suggests opportunities that are not yet taken, often used for scheduling or sign-ups.

Remaining spaces

Highlights that some spaces are still left to be occupied.

Available openings

Similar to open slots, but can also refer to job opportunities.

Unoccupied spaces

Emphasizes the physical absence of occupants, suitable for describing buildings or seating arrangements.

Untaken positions

Specifically refers to jobs or roles that have not been filled.

Unclaimed spots

Suggests that spaces are available but haven't been taken, possibly due to oversight or lack of interest.

FAQs

How can I use "unfilled places" in a sentence?

You can use "unfilled places" to describe situations where there are vacancies or available spots, especially in institutions or organizations. For instance: "The school is struggling with a high number of "unfilled places" in its classrooms."

What's a formal alternative to "unfilled places"?

A more formal alternative to "unfilled places" is "unfilled vacancies", which is often used in official announcements or reports.

When should I use "unoccupied spaces" instead of "unfilled places"?

Use "unoccupied spaces" when you want to emphasize the physical absence of occupants, such as in a building or seating arrangement, rather than the lack of enrollment or participation implied by "unfilled places".

Is "unfilled positions" similar in meaning to "unfilled places"?

While related, "vacant positions" specifically refers to roles or jobs that are not currently occupied, while "unfilled places" can refer to any type of space, including school slots or event seating.