a proper substitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper substitute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an alternative that adequately fulfills the role or function of something else. Example: "In this recipe, almond milk is a proper substitute for cow's milk for those who are lactose intolerant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

PIP is a proper substitute for antibody.

Biomaterials

For overcoming this problem, ANN can be used as a proper substitute method for response estimation.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

The question on a proper substitute of the cohomology for curved sequences seems to be considerably subtle (see [3, 4]).

Mathematical Sciences

Due to difficulties with using antibiotic growth promoters in poultry diet, mushroom wastes seem to be a proper substitute for them.

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

If this characteristic of date-palm peat improve, it would be a proper substitute in the future (Samiei et al. [2005]).

International Journal Of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Results showed that designed and regulated sweetmeat waste can be used as a proper substitute of commercially available organic carbon sources, in terms of biological sulfate reduction.

International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Fruit drinks are no substitute for fruit juice, and neither is a proper replacement for milk.

The New York Times - Health

"For something as important as this there is no proper substitute for a judicial hearing and a decision by a judge on the facts found," Burnside said told the ABC.

The Guardian

The crucial step of function assay is to find a proper surface substitute for intracellular Foxp3 in CD4+CD25- T cells.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Functional assay would be a direct way to identify the nature of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells if only we could find a proper surface substitute for intracellular Foxp3 in CD4+CD25- T cells.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

For Ms. Islam, a 40-year-old British artist born in Bangladesh, there is no proper substitute for celluloid.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a proper substitute", consider the context and ensure the replacement is truly adequate and appropriate for the situation. Specify why the alternative is suitable to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper substitute" if the alternative is clearly inferior or inadequate. Be honest about any limitations or drawbacks of the replacement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper substitute" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something that can adequately replace another thing, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a proper substitute" is used to describe something that can effectively replace another item. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While not overly frequent, it provides a clear way to express the suitability of an alternative. When employing this phrase, ensure that the substitute truly meets the required standards and context. Common alternatives include "a suitable replacement" and "an adequate alternative".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable replacement

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the replacement.

an adequate alternative

Focuses on the sufficiency of the alternative.

a fitting substitute

Highlights how well the substitute matches the original's role.

a valid replacement

Indicates that the replacement is legitimate or permissible.

an acceptable substitute

Implies that the substitute meets a minimum standard of acceptability.

a viable alternative

Suggests the alternative is practical and capable of succeeding.

a good stand-in

Implies temporary or informal replacement.

a like-for-like replacement

Indicates the substitute is very similar to the original in function and quality.

a functional equivalent

Stresses that the substitute serves the same purpose, even if different in form.

a makeshift substitute

Suggests a temporary or improvised replacement.

FAQs

How can I use "a proper substitute" in a sentence?

You can use "a proper substitute" to indicate that something can adequately replace something else. For example: "In this recipe, almond milk is "a proper substitute" for cow's milk".

What are some alternatives to "a proper substitute"?

Alternatives include "a suitable replacement", "an adequate alternative", or "a fitting substitute".

When is it appropriate to use "a proper substitute"?

Use "a proper substitute" when the replacement effectively fulfills the role of the original item. It's best used when highlighting the functionality and appropriateness of the alternative.

What's the difference between "a proper substitute" and "a makeshift substitute"?

"A proper substitute" implies a good, suitable replacement, while "a makeshift substitute" suggests a temporary or less ideal replacement.