to displace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to displace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of moving something from its usual or original position. Example: "The construction of the new highway will displace several families from their homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To displace Amtrak passengers?

The New Yorker

Violence continued to displace Iraqis.

The New York Times

May be hard to displace now.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's never going to displace grants.

The Guardian

We're never going to displace Hollywood.

The New York Times

"Once the stadium is packed, it's harder to displace people".

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, it seems to displace their old ones.

The Guardian - Books

He will be hard to displace in this series.

The New York Times - Sports

The Time Jumpers aren't likely to displace Taylor Swift.

The New York Times - Arts

"No one questioned his authority or attempted to displace that.

The New York Times - Arts

There must now be convincing reasons to displace this right.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to displace" when you want to convey a sense of movement, removal, or replacement, especially in situations involving physical objects, people, or established systems. For example, use it to describe the impact of construction projects on local communities or the effect of new technologies on old ones.

Common error

Avoid using "to displace" when a simple replacement is intended without the connotation of disruption or force. "Replacing" a broken part is often more appropriate than "displacing" it, unless the replacement causes significant disruption.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to displace" primarily functions as a verb that describes the act of moving something from its usual or original position. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from physical relocation to metaphorical replacement, such as displacing ideas or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to displace" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the act of moving something physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high usability across various contexts. While synonyms like "to replace" or "to remove" exist, "to displace" often carries a stronger connotation of disruption or significant change. It is frequently found in news and media, covering topics from social issues to technological advancements. Remember to use "to displace" when you want to convey a sense of removal or substitution, particularly when there are consequences or shifts involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to replace

Indicates substituting one thing for another, focusing on the act of taking the place of something else.

to supplant

Suggests a more forceful or complete replacement, often implying that the original is no longer present or effective.

to remove

Focuses on the act of taking something away, often from a specific location or position.

to relocate

Specifically refers to moving something or someone to a new location.

to dislodge

Implies forcing something out of a settled position.

to unseat

Often used in contexts where someone is removed from a position of power or authority.

to oust

Suggests a forceful removal, often in political or organizational contexts.

to evict

Specifically refers to legally forcing someone to leave a property.

to supersede

Implies replacing something with something newer or more effective.

to override

Suggests setting aside or nullifying a previous decision or system.

FAQs

How can I use "to displace" in a sentence?

You can use "to displace" to describe the act of moving something from its place, such as, "The new dam is expected "to displace" thousands of residents". It can also mean to replace something, as in, "Renewable energy aims "to displace" fossil fuels".

What are some alternatives to saying "to displace"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to replace", "to remove", "to relocate", or "to supplant". Each carries slightly different connotations.

When is it more appropriate to use "to replace" instead of "to displace"?

"To replace" is more suitable when you want to emphasize the act of substituting one thing for another without necessarily implying a forceful removal or disruption. "To displace" suggests a more significant shift or removal from a settled position.

Can "to displace" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "to displace" can be used both literally, as in physically moving something, and figuratively, as in replacing an idea or system. For example: "The flood "to displace" many families" (literal), and "New technologies "to displace" traditional methods" (figurative).