"Fill up" is a phrasal verb commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in everyday speech rather than formal writing or presentations. It typically refers to the action of making something full or complete. The most common usage involves liquid or gas contexts, such as "filling up" a car with fuel or a glass with water. It can also be used more broadly, such as filling up a room with people or a form with information. The informal usage implies a more conversational tone, while more formal settings might use alternatives like "complete" or "fill." "Fill up" is versatile and can be employed as both a transitive verb ("fill up the tank") and an intransitive verb ("the tank will fill up"). The verb is dynamic and useful in scenarios involving both literal and figurative application, like "fill up on snacks" before a meal.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To make something completely full or to become completely full.
I need to fill up the gas tank before leaving for the trip.
The auditorium filled up quickly as people arrived for the concert.
He filled up the jug with water from the well.
It's important to fill up on healthy foods before running a marathon.
After an hour, the rain had filled up the buckets left outside.