to replace it with

USAGE SUMMARY

"to replace it with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something should be replaced with something else. For example, "We removed the old door and plan to replace it with a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"If you repeal it what are you going to replace it with?

Vice

An owner noticed that the dish was uneaten and offered to replace it with something else.

The New York Times

But … what to replace it with?

The New York Times

"Are they going to replace it with a different facility?

The New York Times

You'll have to find something else to replace it with".

The New Yorker

But what is he going to replace it with?

The New Yorker

If they're going to replace it with renewables, that's fine.

The New York Times

The union wants to replace it with an office tower.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But what to replace it with?

MIT Technology Review

Fortunately, (for us) they decided to replace it with this exercise in subtle innuendo.

Vice

He hopes to replace it with a constituent assembly to be elected on September 30th.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to replace it with", ensure that the 'it' refers clearly to a previously mentioned noun to avoid ambiguity. For example: 'The old software was inefficient, so we decided "to replace it with" a newer version.'

Common error

Avoid using "to replace it with" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. This can lead to confusion if the reader isn't sure what is being replaced. Instead, make the reference explicit, e.g., 'Replace the damaged component with a new one' instead of 'Replace it with a new one' without context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to replace it with" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically indicates an action aimed at substituting something for something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to replace it with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that expresses the act of substituting something for another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's important to maintain clarity by ensuring the pronoun 'it' has a clear referent. This phrase appears predominantly in news and media, academic writing, and wiki content, making it suitable for neutral to formal registers. For alternative expressions, consider options like "to substitute it with" or "to exchange it for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to substitute it with

Uses a synonym for "replace", keeping the structure identical.

to exchange it for

Emphasizes the act of giving one thing and receiving another in its place.

to supplant it with

Suggests a more forceful or complete replacement.

to supersede it with

Implies replacing something outdated or obsolete.

to swap it for

An informal way to express exchanging something.

to change it to

Focuses on the transformation of something into a different state.

to switch it to

Suggests a quick or easy replacement.

to convert it to

Implies a transformation into a different form or purpose.

to offset it with

Indicates balancing something negative with something positive.

to compensate it with

Suggests providing something as a counterbalance or remedy.

FAQs

How can I use "to replace it with" in a sentence?

You can use "to replace it with" to indicate the substitution of something for another. For example: "The company decided "to replace it with" a more efficient system."

What's a more formal alternative to "to replace it with"?

A more formal alternative could be "to substitute it with", which carries a similar meaning but sounds slightly more sophisticated.

Is it always necessary to use "it" in the phrase "to replace it with"?

Yes, "it" is crucial because it acts as a pronoun referring to the item being replaced. Omitting "it" would change the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect. However, the sentence can be reworded to avoid the pronoun altogether.

What's the difference between "to replace it with" and "to exchange it for"?

While both phrases imply substitution, "to replace it with" simply means to put something new in place of something old. "To exchange it for" suggests a reciprocal action, where both items are given and received.