takes the place of

USAGE SUMMARY

"takes the place of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a situation in which something is substituted for another thing. For example, "The new instructor takes the place of the former professor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who takes the place of the state?

The New York Times

Religious faith takes the place of psychology.

The New York Times

"It takes the place of probable cause".

The New York Times - Sports

Light manipulated takes the place of natural sunlight.

Independent

"The amputated part takes the place of the whole".

The New Yorker

"Momentum usually takes the place of delegate counts," he said.

The New York Times

This takes the place of the old q-Translate.

Columbia University

This takes the place of the old WP-Table-Reloaded.

Columbia University

Popular mythology often takes the place of science.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this framework, the user takes the place of the story protagonist.

Artificial Intelligence

For Jude, then, mathematics takes the place of religion, in a sense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes the place of", ensure that the substitution is clear and logical within the context. Avoid ambiguity by specifying both the replaced and the replacing entities.

Common error

Avoid using "takes the place of" when the intent is not a complete or direct substitution. If something only partially replaces another, use phrases like "supplements" or "enhances" to more accurately reflect the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes the place of" functions as a verb phrase indicating substitution or replacement. It describes a scenario where one thing assumes the role, position, or function of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a perfectly acceptable and widely used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes the place of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate substitution or replacement. As Ludwig AI affirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is used across various domains, from news and media to academic and scientific writing, with a neutral register. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear what is being replaced and what is doing the replacing. While alternatives like "replaces" or "substitutes for" exist, "takes the place of" often carries a nuanced implication of functional equivalence. This phrase proves to be a reliable tool for expressing the concept of substitution effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

replaces

Focuses directly on the act of substitution; a more concise alternative.

substitutes for

Highlights the interchangeable nature between two entities.

acts as a substitute for

Emphasizes the role of acting as a replacement, adding a layer of functionality.

steps in for

Suggests a temporary or emergency substitution, often in personnel contexts.

fills the position of

Specifically denotes replacing someone or something in a formal role or position.

assumes the role of

Highlights the adoption of responsibilities or functions previously held by another.

is used instead of

Focuses on the practical application and selection of one option over another.

functions as

Stresses the operational equivalence between two different entities.

supersedes

Indicates a more formal replacement, often implying an upgrade or improvement.

is superseded by

Indicates a more formal replacement, and emphasizes the replaced.

FAQs

How can I use "takes the place of" in a sentence?

Use "takes the place of" to indicate that one thing is substituted for another, such as "In the recipe, tofu "takes the place of" cheese".

What are some alternatives to "takes the place of"?

You can use alternatives like "replaces", "substitutes for", or "steps in for" depending on the context. For example, instead of "This plugin "takes the place of" the old one", you could say "This plugin replaces the old one".

Which is correct: "take the place of" or "takes the place of"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "take the place of" for plural subjects (e.g., "These measures take the place of older policies"), and "takes the place of" for singular subjects (e.g., "This measure "takes the place of" the old policy").

What's the difference between "takes the place of" and "replaces"?

"Takes the place of" and "replaces" are often interchangeable, but "replaces" is more direct. "Takes the place of" can sometimes imply a more gradual or functional substitution. For instance, "Modern technology "takes the place of" traditional methods" suggests a broader shift, while "The new software replaces the old version" indicates a direct substitution.