replace one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "replace one another" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to two people or things exchanging roles or positions. For example: "The two actors had to replace one another in the last scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

LOD and Switch selections allow alternate geometric forms to replace one another, depending on the needs of the scene.

X3D Extensible 3D Graphics for Web Authors

No matter how finely the distinctions are drawn, the species (or "varieties") that replace one another in time, space, and even on nearby islands in an archipelago, show "constant" differences, one from another.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The weight of evidence suggests that egg intake is largely or entirely free of harmful effects for most people, and might be associated with some benefit depending on how foods are used to replace one another.

Huffington Post

"Happiness and sorrow replace one another, cyclically.

The New Yorker

It's a lightweight vision — as the dancers replace one another, they unwrap themselves from those towels, without letting us see their loins — that grows absurdly detailed, sensuous, full.

The New York Times - Arts

Darwin then saw that "closely allied" species tend to replace one another in space as well as in time.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

His departure brings to an end a race that produced lots of ups and downs, with Republicans replacing one another as party favourite with on a frequent basis dating back to the Ames straw poll in Iowa in August.

The Guardian

Coaches have replaced one another and recruited against one another.

The New York Times - Sports

"Today political parties are replacing one another in power," he said.

The New York Times

With the passage of centuries, boundaries shifted, tribes and peoples replaced one another, new religions appeared, empires rose and fell.

The New York Times - Books

In the fossils, he saw allied species replacing one another in time.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "replace one another" when emphasizing a reciprocal relationship where two or more entities mutually substitute each other. For clarity, ensure the context makes the reciprocal nature apparent.

Common error

Don't use "replace one another" when the substitution is one-sided or unidirectional. If only one entity is being replaced by another without a mutual exchange, a phrase like "replace" or "be replaced by" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "replace one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating that two or more entities are mutually substituting or exchanging roles/positions. Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples show its use in describing mutual actions in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "replace one another" is a versatile and grammatically correct reciprocal verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general discourse, to indicate a mutual exchange or substitution between entities. While the phrase can be used in neutral register, writers should ensure the context implies a reciprocal action and not a unidirectional substitution. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "supplant each other" or "displace one another". As seen across various examples on Ludwig, mastering the nuance of this phrase enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substitute one another

Indicates a direct substitution, implying that items are interchangeable in a specific context.

displace one another

Suggests a removal or pushing aside to make room, often implying competition or a change in status.

supplant each other

Implies a more forceful replacement, where something new takes the place of something old, often in a competitive manner.

take each other's place

Emphasizes the exchange of positions or roles between two entities.

alternate with each other

Highlights a pattern of going back and forth, suggesting a cyclical exchange or rotation.

exchange roles

Focuses specifically on the swapping of duties, functions, or positions.

switch places

Indicates a physical or metaphorical change in location or position.

interchange with one another

Suggests that things can be used in place of one another without significant difference or disruption.

cede ground to each other

Suggests a gradual replacement or yielding of territory, influence, or position.

give way to each other

Implies a yielding or surrendering of position or role to the other.

FAQs

How can I use "replace one another" in a sentence?

The phrase "replace one another" suggests a mutual exchange or substitution. For example, "During the play, the actors had to "substitute one another" for different roles due to illness".

What's a more formal way to say "replace one another"?

In a formal context, you might use phrases such as "supplant each other" or "displace one another", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "replaced one another" instead of "replace one another"?

Yes, "replaced one another" is the past tense form of the verb phrase. For example, "The old traditions were gradually "replaced one another" by modern customs".

What is the difference between "replace one another" and "succeed one another"?

"Replace one another" implies a substitution, while "succeed one another" suggests a sequence of events where one entity follows another in a role or position. They are not interchangeable.