Cool MateFill vs Stuff
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Fill
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Stuff
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most formal: Fill
| Fill | Stuff | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/fɪl/","/fɪlz/","/fɪld/","/ˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fɪl/","/fɪlz/","/fɪld/","/ˈfɪlɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/stʌf/"]/🇺🇸 /["/stʌf/"]/ |
| Meaning | To make something full by putting something inside it. | Things or objects. |
| Example | Please fill the glass with water. | I need to pack all my stuff for the trip. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | fast, quickly, rapidly, begin to, seem to, with, be filled to capacity, be filled to the brim (with something) | a bunch of stuff, some stuff, stuff to do |
| Antonyms | empty, drain, remove | nothing, emptiness |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'fill' with 'fulfill' in contexts of completion., Using 'filled' instead of 'fill' in present tense statements., Mixing up the order of words, like saying 'to fill it with water' instead of 'fill it with water'. | Using 'stuff' as a singular noun., Confusing 'stuff' with more specific vocabulary., Overusing 'stuff' instead of being specific. |
| Usage notes | Use 'fill' when talking about putting substance into an empty space. It's common in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using for emotional or abstract concepts, as it can lead to confusion. | Used in casual conversation to refer to things in general. Avoid in formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Fill vs Stuff
What's the difference between Fill and Stuff?
Fill: To make something full by putting something inside it. Stuff: Things or objects.
Which is more formal: Fill and Stuff?
Fill is the most formal of these.
Which is more advanced: Fill and Stuff?
Stuff is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Fill and Stuff the same CEFR level?
Fill: A1, Stuff: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Fill and Stuff?
Fill: verb, Stuff: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Fill: Please fill the glass with water. Stuff: I need to pack all my stuff for the trip.
Can I use Fill and Stuff interchangeably?
Not always. Fill and Stuff are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.