to supersede

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to supersede" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something replaces or takes the place of something else, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "The new policy will supersede the previous regulations starting next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The name Macmillanite came to supersede Cameronian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were allowing entertainment to supersede news.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Yet someone else's dream is being allowed to supersede ours".

The New York Times - Sports

Any federal legislation is likely to supersede state constitutional amendments.

The New York Times

"Do we allow appearances to supersede substance?" Dr. Armen said.

The New York Times

But the administration has not made any move to supersede the Board of Inquiry's investigation.

The New York Times

By the late 19th century, free immigration began to supersede the coolie trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has allowed deficits and debt to supersede mass unemployment as the emergency of the moment.

The New Yorker

Functional MRI is not the first digital-age breakthrough that was supposed to supersede the polygraph.

The New Yorker

At times, however, the artist may be found to supersede the politician in Barrès' writing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a result, keeping track of them has come to supersede competition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to supersede" when you want to indicate that a new rule, law, or system takes the place of an older one. This phrase often appears in formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to supersede" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to replace" or "to take over" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to supersede" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of replacing or overriding something. Ludwig AI shows this usage in sentences where policies or systems are being replaced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to supersede" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression primarily functioning as a verb phrase to indicate replacement or overriding, especially in formal contexts such as news, science, and legal discussions. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While versatile, it is best suited for professional or technical writing and should be used cautiously in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to replace

This alternative is a more general term for taking the place of something.

to supplant

This suggests a more forceful or strategic replacement.

to override

This implies having the power to nullify or cancel out another authority or function.

to take precedence over

This emphasizes the order of importance and priority.

to overrule

This is often used in legal or formal contexts, meaning to reject a decision or law.

to displace

This indicates a physical or abstract movement from a position.

to take over from

This is a more colloquial way of saying to assume control or responsibility from someone or something.

to render obsolete

This implies making something no longer useful or relevant because of advancements or changes.

to set aside

This means to disregard or ignore, often to make room for something else.

to eclipse

This conveys overshadowing or surpassing in importance or fame.

FAQs

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

Use "to supersede" when you want to indicate that something is being replaced or set aside, often in a formal or legal context. For example: "The new regulations will supersede all existing guidelines."

What are some alternatives to "to supersede"?

You can use alternatives like "to replace", "to supplant", or "to override" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "to supersede" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to supersede" is generally more appropriate for formal or technical writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "to replace" or "to take over" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "to supersede" and "to overrule"?

"To supersede" generally means to replace or set aside, while "to overrule" specifically means to reject or overturn a previous decision or authority, often in a legal setting. Thus, to overrule has a much more precise legal implication and is less versatile.