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Grammar fix

fill up

to make something completely full

To put something into a container or space until there is no more room left.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I need to fill up the car with petrol before our trip.daily life
  • Whenever I go on a long drive, I always fill up the tank to avoid running out of fuel.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: fill up (something) / fill (something) up

WrongI filled up it with petrol.

RightI filled it up with petrol.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'fill it up'.

Patternfill up (something) / fill (something) up

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I need to completely replenish the fuel tank.

Natural I need to fill up the tank.

'Fill up' is the natural verb for filling something completely; 'completely replenish' is over-formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • fill up + container
    the tankthe carwith wateron snacks

Don't confuse it

'Fill' can mean to put something in, but 'fill up' stresses that it is full to the top.

Try it in Daily Speak →