In place of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in place of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one thing or person is being substituted for another. Example: In place of the regular teacher, a substitute led the class today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In place of grass, consider hardscape options.

The New York Times

In place of praying, you read.

The New Yorker

In place of death, play.

The New York Times - Arts

In place of desert, water.

The New York Times - Arts

In place of conquest, they summoned catastrophe; in place of science, the uncanny; in place of heroism, horror.

The New Yorker

In place of brutish nature, fanciful artifice.

The New York Times - Arts

In place of mutual suspicion — That NAFTA!

The New Yorker

"In place of a life, revenge".

The Guardian - Books

In place of whimsy, it offers cynicism.

The New York Times

In place of homerooms, there are platoons.

The New York Times

In place of vision, they have fear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in place of" to clearly indicate a substitution, ensuring the context makes it clear why the replacement is occurring. For example: Use a password manager "in place of" remembering multiple passwords.

Common error

Avoid using "in place of" in very informal settings where simpler alternatives like "instead of" or "replacing" would sound more natural. For example, saying "I'll have tea "in place of" coffee" is correct, but it can sound overly formal in a casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in place of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate substitution or replacement. Ludwig examples confirm its function as an alternative indicator, as also stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in place of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating substitution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is grammatically sound and very common, finding frequent application in news, scientific, and wiki content. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral or professional register, so in some cases "instead of" may be a better option. Understanding its nuances, and consulting Ludwig's examples, ensures confident and appropriate use in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instead of

This is the most direct and common synonym, indicating a simple substitution.

in lieu of

A more formal alternative, suggesting a replacement, often in official contexts.

as a substitute for

Explicitly indicates that something is acting as a replacement.

replacing

A concise verb form indicating the act of substitution.

in exchange for

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the substitution.

to replace

An infinitive phrase indicating the intention to substitute.

as an alternative to

Suggests a choice between options, with one being used instead of the other.

vice

A concise term (often used in formal contexts) signifying 'instead of'.

on behalf of

Suggests acting or being used in the stead of something.

supplanting

Implies a more forceful or complete replacement.

FAQs

How can I use "in place of" in a sentence?

You can use "in place of" to show substitution. For example: "She used almond milk "in place of" regular milk in the recipe."

What's the difference between "in place of" and "instead of"?

While both phrases indicate substitution, "in place of" can sometimes imply a more formal or official replacement, whereas "instead of" is generally more neutral and widely applicable.

What are some alternatives to saying "in place of"?

You can use alternatives like "instead of", "in lieu of", or "as a substitute for depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "in place of"?

While grammatically correct, "in place of" might sound overly formal in very casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "instead of" or "replacing" in informal conversations.