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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
surrogate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "surrogate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or an adjective and has various meanings related to someone standing in for another person or thing. For example: "My brother and his wife used a surrogate to have their baby."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
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
We should be forced to give so many exceptions and concessions (inevitably to the benefit of high spending authorities in inner London) that the flat-rate poll tax would rapidly become a surrogate income tax".
News & Media
Jonathan Kent's production this evocation of the rackety world of American vaudeville – with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents – boasted a breathtaking performance from Imelda Staunton, who played Mama Rose not as some implacable monster but as a jaunty, defiant woman seeking surrogate stardom through the showbiz success of her two daughters.
News & Media
The indefensible acceptance of money from a surrogate donor is being exploited by Christopher Huhne as a part of his Liberal Democrat leadership campaign.
News & Media
Details have emerged of an Australian couple abandoning one of their twins born to a surrogate in 2012, with the family court chief justice, Diana Bryant, alleging the decision was based on the sex of the child.
News & Media
Villains unworthy of vilification can be found in everything from the Austin Powers comedies, where the insufficiently wicked plans of Dr Evil positively drip bathos, to Skyfall, where Javier Bardem essentially played a neglected son jealous of Bond's relationship with their surrogate mother, M. Children's films have been veering this way for a while.
News & Media
Related: Bill Clinton says foundation has 'never done anything knowingly inappropriate' As the 2016 race heats up, the Hillary Clinton campaign is working through the question of what to do with its most talented, most complicated surrogate.
News & Media
It was partly working on the film of Billy Elliot and becoming a surrogate father to its star, Jamie Bell, that confirmed Daldry's desire to have a family of his own.
News & Media
It is understood that the talks have so far failed to resolve how the show would work in Clarkson's absence, with May previously suggesting that the format would be "lame" with a "surrogate" Clarkson.
News & Media
In 2008, Samantha Power, now US ambassador to the United Nations and then a campaign surrogate for Obama, recorded a campaign video urging Armenian-Americans to vote for him because he would "call a spade a spade and speak truth about it.
News & Media
Originally these were internet cafes where otaku could gather to drink coffee and read comics: they've subsequently morphed into surrogate bedroom services.
News & Media
Former foreign ministers Bob Carr and Kevin Rudd say they do not recall dealing with a case involving Australian parents accused of abandoning a surrogate child in India two years ago.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "surrogate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being replaced and the nature of the substitution. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the writing.
Common error
Avoid using "surrogate" interchangeably with words like "replacement" or "substitute" without considering the specific nuance. "Surrogate" often implies a more complex or nuanced relationship of standing in for something else, especially in emotional or legal contexts.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "surrogate" functions primarily as a noun or adjective, denoting a substitute or replacement. Ludwig AI indicates that this word is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts such as "surrogate mother" and "surrogate donor".
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
30%
Science
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "surrogate" is a versatile term that correctly signifies a substitute or replacement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and usability. Its primary function is to denote substitution, and it appears most frequently in news and formal contexts. When writing, ensure the context makes clear what entity is being replaced to avoid ambiguity. While synonyms exist, "surrogate" often implies a more nuanced relationship, especially in emotional or legal settings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
substitute
Highlights the role of standing in for someone or something else.
replacement
Focuses on the act of replacing something entirely with another.
proxy
Suggests acting on behalf of another, often in a formal setting.
deputy
Emphasizes the delegation of authority or responsibility.
stand-in
Implies a temporary replacement, often in performance or representation.
alternate
Indicates a choice between two or more possibilities, one taking the place of another.
representative
Highlights the act of speaking or acting for a group or individual.
locum
Usually refers to a temporary replacement for a professional, like a doctor.
understudy
Specifically refers to someone who learns a role in order to replace the primary performer if needed.
placeholder
Indicates something that temporarily occupies a space or position.
FAQs
How is the word "surrogate" used in a sentence?
The word "surrogate" can function as a noun, adjective, or verb. As a noun, it refers to a substitute; as an adjective, it describes something that acts as a substitute; and as a verb, it means to replace. For example: "She acted as a "surrogate mother" for the couple."
What are some synonyms for "surrogate"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "substitute", "replacement", "proxy", or "deputy". The best choice will depend on the precise meaning you wish to convey.
What does "surrogate" mean in a medical context?
In medicine, "surrogate" often refers to a woman who carries and delivers a child for another couple or individual. This is known as "surrogate motherhood".
Is it correct to say "surrogate" when referring to an object?
Yes, "surrogate" can also refer to an object that substitutes for something else. For example, in clinical trials, researchers may use "surrogate endpoints" to measure the effectiveness of a treatment when direct measurement is difficult or impractical.
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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
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested