replace

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "replace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb when you are talking about exchanging one thing for another. For example, "I will replace the broken window with a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the unlikely event we have to replace a tutor, we shall make every effort to ensure the replacement tutor has similar expertise to the one advertised.

The Guardian

We will act differently from the Government we replace: we hear the anguish of our citizens and intend to respond accordingly.

The Guardian

He would abolish the income tax for the vast bulk of Americans and replace the revenue with a 12.5 percent value-added tax.

The New York Times

It is the team's worst run since 1977 but with only four games – at Leicester and QPR and at home to West Brom and West Ham – remaining it is surely too late for Ashley to replace with a Red Adair a coach set to be succeeded by Derby's Steve McClaren this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

As he and his party see it, the UK should get out as quickly as possible, and replace the economic aspects of our EU membership with "a simple free trade deal, either with individual countries or with the European Union as a whole".

The Guardian

He was brought in to fill the gap left by the departure of George Ford for Bath – Leicester's opponents on Sunday – when Ford tired of playing second fiddle to the man he could well replace in the England team when Flood moves to France in the summer, probably to Toulouse, although that is yet to be confirmed.

The Guardian - Sport

Piers Morgan, who has had a number of public spats with Clarkson over several years, also weighed in to suggest he would be available to replace the presenter.

The Guardian

The Italian operation will now end without a similar European search and rescue operation to replace it.

The Guardian

Insiders say SBS is letting experienced staff go and hiring younger, cheaper ones to replace them.

The Guardian

56 min: Poland replace Eugen Polanski with Kamil Grosicki.

The Guardian - Sport

That said, who is there to replace him?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "replace", ensure the context clearly indicates both the item being replaced and the item doing the replacing. Clarity is key for avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "replace" when a more specific verb like "repair", "upgrade", or "amend" would better reflect the nature of the change. For instance, instead of saying "replace the error in the code", consider "correct the error in the code" if you are fixing it rather than substituting it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "replace" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI shows that the verb is used to describe the action of substituting one item or person for another, often to improve functionality or suitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "replace" functions primarily as a transitive verb, indicating the act of substituting one thing for another. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and very common, finding frequent use in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When using "replace", ensure the context clearly defines what is being substituted and what is doing the substituting. Alternative options include "substitute", "exchange", and "supplant", each carrying slightly different nuances. While grammatically straightforward, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity in its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substitute

Emphasizes the act of putting something new in place of something else.

exchange

Focuses on the reciprocal act of giving one thing and receiving another.

supplant

Suggests replacing something, often implying that the replaced item is outdated or inferior.

restore

Highlights returning something to its original condition or place.

reinstall

Specifically refers to installing something again, often in the context of software or equipment.

supersede

Implies replacing something with something more modern or effective.

fill in for

Describes temporarily taking someone's place.

take over from

Suggests assuming responsibility or control from someone else.

stand in for

Indicates acting as a temporary substitute.

put back

Emphasizes returning something to its original location.

FAQs

How can I use "replace" in a sentence?

You can use "replace" to indicate substituting something with another. For example, "I need to "replace the batteries" in my remote" or "The company decided to "replace the old system" with a new one".

What are some alternatives to the word "replace"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "substitute", "exchange", or "supplant" to convey the meaning of "replace".

Is it correct to say "replace with" or "replace by"?

Both "replace with" and "replace by" are grammatically correct, but "replace with" is more commonly used. For example, you would typically say "replace the old carpet with a new one".

What is the difference between "replace" and "substitute"?

"Replace" generally means to put something new in the place of something old or used, while "substitute" means to use something else instead of the usual or expected thing. They are similar, but "substitute" often implies a temporary or less ideal solution. For example: "I had to "substitute margarine for butter" in the recipe."