What does the phrasal verb “fill up” mean?

What are the definitions of “fill up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Fill something completely.

  I stopped at the garage and FILLED UP with petrol.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fill up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fill up is to fill something completely, usually with a liquid or substance. For example, it can mean filling a container with water, a car with gasoline, or a plate with food.

What are the different verb forms of “fill up”?

Root Verb	fill up
Third Person Singular Present	fills up
Present Participle	filling up
Simple Past	filled up
Past Participle	filled up

Example

Please fill up the water jug before the guests arrive.

Example

She fills up her car with gas every week.

Example

He is filling up the pool for the kids to swim in.

Example

Yesterday, they filled up the balloons with helium for the party.

Example

The tank has been filled up with fuel.

What kind of phrasal verb is “fill up”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“fill up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She filled up the glass with water.

Example

He filled the car up with gasoline.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“fill up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She filled up the glass with water.

Example

He filled the car up with gasoline.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fill up”?

Fill up on something

Eat or drink enough of something to feel satisfied or full.

Example

Before the long hike, we filled up on a hearty breakfast.

Fill up a form

Complete a form by providing the required information.

Example

Please fill up the registration form before attending the event.

Fill up a space

Occupy a space completely, leaving no empty areas.

Example

The crowd filled up the entire stadium during the concert.

Good things to know

Does “fill up” have an informal or formal tone?

Fill up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fill up”?

Synonyms

• replenish
• refill
• complete
• satisfy
• stuff
• pack
• top off
• load

Antonyms

• drain
• deplete
• unload
• clear
• remove
• consume
• empty
• use up