as substitutes for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as substitutes for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing alternatives or replacements for something. Example: "In many recipes, applesauce can be used as substitutes for eggs to create a vegan dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drag hunts explained as substitutes for fox hunts.

The New Yorker

Many other woods are used as substitutes for true sandalwood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recognize the chairs for what they are and not as substitutes for what they are not.

The New York Times - Arts

RFA broadcasts serve as substitutes for indigenous free media in regions lacking free media outlets.

Cornell University

Most of our communication technologies began as substitutes for an impossible activity.

The Guardian - Books

(People argue about how valid these shortcuts are as substitutes for fuller information, of course).

The New Yorker

The public generally views money funds as substitutes for bank accounts.

The New York Times

The powders were used as substitutes for graphite or coal powders.

Carbon

Newer LEDs are gaining on compact fluorescent lights as substitutes for inefficient incandescent bulbs in lighting.

The New York Times

Commercial sour cultures are sometimes used as substitutes for naturally fermented sourdoughs.

Britannica

Germany was the first country to employ submarines in war as substitutes for surface commerce raiders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as substitutes for", ensure the replacement is suitable and maintains the necessary qualities of the original. Consider the context to ensure the substitution is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "as substitutes for" when the replacement significantly alters the core function or meaning. Ensure the substitute is a viable and appropriate alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as substitutes for" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate replacement or substitution. Ludwig AI shows it connects two elements where one takes the place of the other.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as substitutes for" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating replacement or substitution. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Its prevalence is high, especially in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure the substitution is appropriate and maintains the necessary qualities of the original. Be mindful of the nuances of substitution to avoid misapplication. Alternative phrases include "as replacements for" and "in place of". In summary, "as substitutes for" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating that one thing is being used in place of another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as replacements for

Replaces 'substitutes' with 'replacements', emphasizing a direct exchange.

in place of

Offers a simpler, more direct way to indicate substitution.

instead of

Indicates choosing one thing over another, serving a similar function.

as alternatives to

Focuses on the aspect of choice and possibility among different options.

to replace

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning of substitution.

in lieu of

A more formal way of saying "instead of", suitable for official contexts.

as stand-ins for

Emphasizes a temporary or functional role as a replacement.

to act as proxies for

Implies that something is representing something else, often with authority.

serving the function of

Shifts focus to the purpose and role of the substitute.

taking the place of

Describes the action of one thing supplanting another.

FAQs

How can I use "as substitutes for" in a sentence?

Use "as substitutes for" to indicate that something is being used in place of something else, often because the original item is unavailable, impractical, or undesirable. For example, "Newer LEDs are gaining on compact fluorescent lights "as substitutes for" inefficient incandescent bulbs in lighting."

What can I say instead of "as substitutes for"?

You can use alternatives like "as replacements for", "in place of", or "instead of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as substitutes for"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that one thing is serving the purpose of another, usually due to necessity or a specific advantage. The phrase emphasizes the functional replacement.

What's the difference between "as substitutes for" and "as alternatives to"?

"As substitutes for" implies a direct replacement, often due to a lack of the original. "As alternatives to" suggests a choice among different options, not necessarily driven by necessity. For example, you might use "as substitutes for" when discussing using margarine instead of butter due to dietary restrictions, but "as alternatives to" when comparing different vacation destinations.