use in place of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use in place of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that one thing can be substituted for another in a particular context. Example: "You can use olive oil in place of butter when cooking for a healthier option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other words you can use in place of "we" include: "our," "together" and "us".

Huffington Post

"What do we use in place of plastic bags?

The New York Times

What tool should I use in place of Remedy?

Stanford University

Cox and Comcast declined to comment on what company they may use in place of At Home.

The New York Times

American Express is taking a simpler approach by offering its customers disposable numbers they can use in place of their card numbers when buying online.

The New York Times

Anthony Horowitz once told me that English is such a rich language there's usually another word you can use in place of swearing.

The Guardian

But the tunnels will also carry cold water that buildings will use in place of their own air-conditioners in order to keep cool.

The New York Times

Fanless is not a buzzword you can use in place of "quiet operation" as it has a meaning, specifically: no fans are being used.

The Guardian - Tech

This recipe also includes instructions on how to make a basic sabayon – a thick warm, winey, cream that you can use in place of cream in many puds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Locals said a blind man and his girlfriend delivered water to residents, to use in place of what the floods had contaminated.

The New York Times

But what of the drugs Woodroof used, and imported, to use in place of AZT? "The stuff he was importing from Mexico was almost all useless," Engel says.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "use in place of", ensure the substitute is suitable and maintains the intended meaning or function. For clarity, specify the original item and its replacement.

Common error

Avoid using "use in place of" without clearly defining what is being replaced and what the alternative is. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use in place of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating substitution or replacement. It specifies that one item or method can be utilized as an alternative to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "use in place of" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile expression used to indicate substitution or replacement. It is commonly found across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general web content. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English and, based on the analysis, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both the original item and its substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substitute for

Indicates direct replacement of one thing with another.

replace with

Focuses on the act of replacing something with a different item.

utilize instead of

Emphasizes the act of using one thing as an alternative to another.

employ as a substitute for

A more formal way of suggesting a replacement.

opt for instead of

Suggests choosing one option over another.

go with as an alternative to

Suggests selecting a different option.

exchange for

Highlights the action of trading one thing for another.

supplant with

Implies replacing something with something newer or better.

serve as a replacement for

Highlights the functional role of the substitute.

fallback on

Suggests using something as a backup or last resort.

FAQs

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

The phrase "use in place of" indicates substituting one thing for another. For example, "You can "substitute margarine" in place of butter for a vegan alternative."

What phrases are similar to "use in place of"?

Similar phrases include "replace with", "substitute for", or "utilize instead of", which all suggest substituting one item for another.

Is it correct to say "use instead of" versus "use in place of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "use in place of" explicitly indicates substitution. "Use instead of" may sometimes imply preference rather than direct substitution.

How do I avoid being too verbose when using "use in place of"?

Ensure you are not adding unnecessary words around the phrase. A concise sentence such as, "Use honey "instead of sugar"" is more effective than "You can use honey in place of sugar to reduce your calorie intake."