can replace with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can replace with" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when discussing alternatives or substitutions. Example: In this recipe, you can replace the cow's milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Frank seems to argue that homeownership is a fungible good that people can replace with home rental when prices are too high.

The New Yorker

"Every barrel of oil we can replace with something that's produced domestically, the better we are as a nation, and the more secure and more independent we are".

The New York Times

The Today screen -- a summary of appointments and to-do items -- now shows blue text superimposed on a photo, which you can replace with one of your own, using a free program from Microsoft's Web site.

The New York Times - Tech

Since the imaging sampling interval is always a known constant, we can replace with in.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

With theorem 1.2, which we will present just below, we can replace with and with.

Boundary Value Problems

They consider that depending on qualifications, nurses can replace with the other nurses from another skill category.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility, and gridlock with progress.

The New York Times - Arts

With modern information technology, we can replace simplification with automation.

The New York Times

You can replace jeans with track pants, and a jersey with a track jacket.

WikiHow

"You can replace people with machines".

The New York Times

"We can replace training with a drug," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting alternatives, clearly state what the original item is and what you are replacing it with. For instance, "You can replace with almond milk if you are lactose intolerant."

Common error

Avoid using "can replace with" in contexts where the replacement would significantly alter the fundamental nature or intended outcome. A better strategy is to say what you suggest and why. Don't say "You can replace a doctor with WebMD", instead say "Always seek a doctor for medical advice. WebMD has only informative purposes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can replace with" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility or permission to substitute one thing for another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's typically used to offer alternatives or suggest substitutions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

Science

32%

News & Media

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can replace with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for suggesting alternatives or substitutions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's found in various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for both informal and professional communication. While "can substitute for" is a strong alternative, choosing the most suitable phrase depends on the specific context and desired nuance. When using "can replace with", ensure clarity by specifying both the original item and its proposed replacement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can substitute for

Indicates a direct substitution, emphasizing functional equivalence.

can exchange for

Implies a swapping of items or concepts, highlighting reciprocity.

can use instead of

Focuses on the alternative use of one thing in place of another.

can opt for

Suggests a choice or preference for one option over another.

can supersede with

Highlights the replacement of something old or obsolete with something newer or more advanced.

can supplant with

Similar to supersede, but with a stronger connotation of displacement.

can swap for

Suggests a casual and informal exchange.

can switch to

Implies a change from one thing to another, often in a sequence.

can change over to

Emphasizes a more complete transition from one item to another.

can alternate with

Highlights the possibility of using items or concepts interchangeably.

FAQs

How do I use "can replace with" in a sentence?

The phrase "can replace with" is used to suggest an alternative or substitution. For example, "You can replace sugar with honey in this recipe".

What is a synonym for "can replace with"?

Alternatives to "can replace with" include "can substitute for", "can exchange for", or "can use instead of", each implying a slightly different nuance of substitution.

Is it grammatically correct to say "can replace with"?

Yes, "can replace with" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that something can be substituted by something else.

What's the difference between "can replace with" and "can substitute for"?

While both phrases suggest an alternative, "can replace with" is more general, while "can substitute for" often implies a functional equivalence between the original and the substitute.