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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
substituted by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'substituted by' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has been replaced with another thing. For example: "This old method has been substituted by a stronger alternative."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"It was substituted by a lottery mentality.
News & Media
79 Paulo Wanchope substituted by Wilmer Lopez.
News & Media
Experience can not be substituted by way of a drug.
News & Media
On another chaise longue, the figure has been substituted by a giant reclining carrot.
News & Media
The sheep's head was more commonly substituted by brains or by boiled tongue.
News & Media
"Japrese salad", in which mozzarella has been substituted by tofu (why? Just why?).
News & Media
It will retain the waterfall, & the figures will be substituted by Pepsi Cola bottles.
News & Media
In the process, Adriano pulled up injured and had to be substituted by Marc Bartra.
News & Media
The script was substituted by Blackadder's Christmas Carol, a Dickensian variant on the formula.
News & Media
Finding a full vein in living flesh can't be successfully substituted by anatomical studies in the classroom.
News & Media
In August 1996, Ms. Edwards allegedly opened an account for Sobinbank that was later substituted by an account for D.K.B.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym. For instance, "replaced by" is more direct, while "supplanted by" implies superiority.
Common error
Avoid using other prepositions in place of "by" after "substituted". "Substituted with" or "substituted for" are not considered standard usage.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "substituted by" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a replacement. Ludwig shows it is commonly used to describe one thing taking the place of another, often with a similar function or purpose. Ludwig confirms this phrase is grammatically correct.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
35%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "substituted by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that something has been replaced by something else. As Ludwig shows, it commonly appears in scientific, news, and formal contexts, and functions to provide clarity about a change. While synonyms like "replaced by" exist, "substituted by" carries a slightly more formal tone. To avoid errors, ensure the correct preposition "by" is used. With these points in mind, you can confidently use "substituted by" in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
replaced by
Indicates a direct replacement, similar to "substituted by", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the act of replacing.
supplanted by
Implies that something has been replaced, often because the new thing is superior or more effective.
superseded by
Suggests a formal or official replacement, often in a hierarchical context.
exchanged for
Suggests a swap or trade, implying a more mutual replacement than "substituted by".
swapped for
Indicates an informal exchange or trade.
displaced by
Suggests that something has been moved out of its position by something else.
taken over by
Implies that something has been replaced and is now under the control of something else.
given way to
Implies that something has been replaced, often due to obsolescence or decline.
changed to
A more general term for alteration, which may or may not involve a direct replacement.
amended by
Suggests a minor change or modification, rather than a complete replacement.
FAQs
What does "substituted by" mean?
The phrase "substituted by" means that one thing has been replaced by another. It's used to indicate that something new is taking the place of something old or no longer available.
How can I use "substituted by" in a sentence?
You can use "substituted by" to show that something has been replaced, such as "The old engine was "replaced by" a new one" or "The original plan was "changed to" a different strategy, hence the need for it to be substituted by.
What are some alternatives to "substituted by"?
Alternatives to "substituted by" include "replaced by", "supplanted by", or "exchanged for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.
Is there a difference between "substituted by" and "replaced by"?
While "substituted by" and "replaced by" are very similar, "substituted by" can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate replacement. "Replaced by" is a more general and common term.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested