replace something with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "replace something with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing substitutions or changes, indicating that one item is being exchanged for another. Example: "In the recipe, you can replace sugar with honey for a healthier option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's that they want to replace something with nothing".

The New York Times

When Jose Graneila bought his downtown Brooklyn firehouse in 1981, the poles had been "stolen by drug addicts," he said, and he did not want to "replace something with a reproduction".

The New York Times

"You can't replace something with nothing," Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island said on the Senate floor in explaining why he opposed the amendment even while he agreed with the spirit of it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Every new low-end phone replaces something with less sophistication".

The New York Times

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon found that only New Yorkers replaced "something" with "suttin" on Twitter.

The New Yorker

It therefore replaced something with nothing -- an act that could only be divine in origin".

The New York Times - Books

The public's connection with "my hospital" is very powerful and not entirely unreasonable, and hospital closure can feel like replacing something with nothing.

The Guardian

He stated that the art of poetry is based on a metaphor, which is replacing something with another thing, whereas the art of prose explores the world of a metonymy or replacing the whole by its part.

BBC

You're looking for something to replace something else with and that's usually the case with those guys.

Huffington Post

Inventors create something completely new, but innovators typically replace something old with something new.

HuffPost

Anything you replace with something new is considered a capital improvement that is depreciated over time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "replace something with", ensure the replacement item is clearly superior or more suitable in the given context. This strengthens the rationale behind the substitution.

Common error

Avoid using "replace something with" when the original item is simply being removed without a clear substitute. In such cases, use 'remove' or 'eliminate' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "replace something with" functions as a transitive phrasal verb, indicating the act of substituting one thing for another. It requires both a direct object (the item being replaced) and a prepositional phrase specifying the replacement, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "replace something with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating substitution. As validated by Ludwig, it functions to describe an exchange where one item takes the place of another, often with an implied improvement. This phrase is suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that a clear replacement is specified. For alternative phrasing, options like ""substitute something for"" or ""exchange something for"" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substitute something with

Changes the verb while maintaining the same prepositional structure.

exchange something for

Focuses on the act of exchanging, altering the preposition.

swap something with

Uses a more informal verb emphasizing a quick change.

trade something for

Suggests a more equal or negotiated exchange.

supplant something with

Implies replacing something old or outdated.

supersede something with

Suggests that replacement is due to something newer or better.

convert something to

Focuses on transformation during the act of replacement.

switch something for

Emphasizes a quick or abrupt change between items.

alter something to

Focuses on the modification aspect of the change, not necessarily a full replacement.

use something instead of

Highlights the choice of an alternative option.

FAQs

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

You can use "replace something with" to indicate a substitution, such as "Replace the sugar with honey for a healthier option" or "They decided to "replace the old carpet with" hardwood flooring".

What are some alternatives to "replace something with"?

Alternatives include "substitute something for", "exchange something for", or "swap something with". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

While technically understandable, it's more grammatically sound and clearer to use the full phrase "replace something with something else". The inclusion of "something" after "replace" specifies what is being acted upon.

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

"Replace something with" emphasizes the new item that's taking the place of the old. "Substitute something for" focuses more on the original item and what's being given up. For example, "I replaced my old phone with a new one" versus "I substituted almond milk for regular milk".