be exchanged for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be exchanged for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of trading one item or value for another, often in contexts like commerce or transactions. Example: "The old phone can be exchanged for a discount on the new model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But they can be exchanged for sterling.

The Economist

Akol refused to be exchanged for cows.

The Guardian

Wage increments can gradually be exchanged for shorter hours.

The Guardian - Opinion

CareInsite's other shares will each be exchanged for 1.3 shares.

The New York Times

Small bags must be exchanged for larger ones.

The New York Times - Travel

The points can be exchanged for shopping and travel vouchers.

Independent

"Blood cannot be exchanged for money," says Mr Arias.

The Economist

Each share of Legrand common would be exchanged for 3.5 Schneider shares, while each share of Legrand preferred would be exchanged for two Schneider shares.

The New York Times

Each QRS share will be exchanged for half a share of JDA.

The New York Times

Old notes would have to be exchanged for limited supplies of new currency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each Horizon share will be exchanged for 0.7725 share of iPCS, the companies said yesterday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be exchanged for" when referring to transactions, conversions, or substitutions involving two distinct entities

Common error

Avoid using "be exchanged for" when a simpler verb like "replace" or "trade" suffices. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound more complex than necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exchanged for" functions as a passive construction indicating a transaction or substitution. It specifies that something is given in return for receiving something else. Ludwig provides several examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be exchanged for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea of one thing being given in return for another. This phrase is particularly common in the News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility. While primarily neutral in register, it's important to ensure clarity in specifying what is being exchanged for what. Consider alternatives like "be traded for" or "be substituted for" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be traded for

Emphasizes a reciprocal exchange, often implying a negotiation or agreement.

be substituted for

Highlights the replacement of one thing with another, often when the original is lacking or unavailable.

be converted into

Focuses on the transformation of something into a different form or state.

be replaced by

Indicates a direct replacement, often suggesting an upgrade or improvement.

be swapped for

Implies an informal or casual exchange between two items.

be bartered for

Specifically refers to exchanging goods or services without using money.

be redeemed for

Suggests the act of cashing in a voucher or token for a reward or service.

be given in exchange for

Highlights that something is provided as part of an exchange transaction.

be commuted to

Conveys a sense of alteration or transformation into something different.

be transformed into

Indicates a significant change in form, appearance, or character.

FAQs

What does "be exchanged for" mean?

The phrase "be exchanged for" indicates that something is given up in return for something else, implying a transaction or substitution.

What are some alternatives to "be exchanged for"?

You can use alternatives like "be traded for", "be substituted for", or "be replaced by" depending on the context.

How can I use "be exchanged for" in a sentence?

Example: "The old car can be exchanged for a newer model." This shows that the old car is being given up in order to receive the newer model.

Is "be exchanged for" formal or informal?

"Be exchanged for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary than the phrase itself.