wholesale replacement

USAGE SUMMARY

'wholesale replacement' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large-scale, comprehensive replacement of something, usually referring to a physical object or material. For example, "The company opted for a wholesale replacement of the chair legs, rather than attempting to repair each one individually."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

As noted above, the optimal combination of these providers seldom appears if you frame the question as, "in which jobs will AI replace humans?" Perhaps the wholesale replacement of humans by AI or robots is 50 years away for some "jobs," but when you look within those jobs the actual effects are substantial and will occur much faster.

Forbes

Acting on the team's recommendations, Labor Department officials sought a wholesale replacement of the computer equipment in the lockup room.

The New York Times

Even his closest advisers worried that a major air disaster might result from the wholesale replacement of striking controllers.

The New York Times

"There won't be a wholesale replacement, unless you're talking decades," he said, citing the costs of new technology.

The New York Times

But a basic income is too costly and inefficient to act as a wholesale replacement for welfare.

The Economist

Wholesale replacement is not feasible, so more must be spent to keep these aging systems in service.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Major companies perform wholesale replacements of their existing algorithmic infrastructure with new deep learning systems.

Forbes

Walsh vividly remembers the near-wholesale replacement of cast-iron lamps with Deskeys.

The New Yorker

Throughout history, plant and animal assemblages have evolved in isolated biotas that have occasionally come into contact with one another, and the resulting interchange has usually been the near-wholesale replacement of one region's species with another's [1] [4].

Plosone

That conceptual shift paved the way for dietary pyramids, labelling laws, the rise of so-called superfoods, and even wholesale food replacements such as Soylent.

The New Yorker

The company says it generates value for investors by "acquiring buildings at wholesale prices (below replacement value) and selling apartments at retail prices".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; "wholesale replacement" is suitable when discussing systems, components, or even policies that need to be entirely replaced due to obsolescence, damage, or ineffectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "wholesale replacement" when a simple repair or upgrade will suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or wasteful when a less extensive solution is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholesale replacement" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often acts as the object of a verb or follows a preposition, indicating the act or need for a comprehensive substitution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wholesale replacement" signifies a complete and extensive substitution, often employed when dealing with systems or components beyond repair. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "complete substitution" or "total overhaul" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to reserve "wholesale replacement" for scenarios truly warranting a full-scale change, avoiding overuse in situations where a less drastic approach would suffice. Ludwig AI's analysis shows its prevalence in authoritative sources, solidifying its status as a common and accepted expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full replacement

This is a shorter, more direct alternative.

complete substitution

This alternative emphasizes the thoroughness of the change.

comprehensive substitution

Similar to "complete substitution", but may imply a more detailed and planned change.

entire substitution

Emphasizes that nothing is left unchanged.

total overhaul

This suggests a comprehensive renovation or restructuring.

blanket replacement

Implies applying the replacement uniformly across the board.

full-scale changeover

This indicates a complete transition from one thing to another.

radical substitution

Highlights the revolutionary nature of the change.

across-the-board substitution

Indicates that the replacement affects everything equally.

comprehensive remediation

More appropriate when discussing repairs or fixes of something.

FAQs

What does "wholesale replacement" mean?

"Wholesale replacement" refers to a complete and extensive substitution of something, often implying that the original item or system is beyond repair or no longer effective.

When is it appropriate to use the term "wholesale replacement"?

Use "wholesale replacement" when describing a situation where a complete change is necessary, such as replacing an entire computer system or overhauling a flawed policy. The term indicates a comprehensive and total substitution.

What are some alternatives to "wholesale replacement"?

You can use alternatives such as "complete substitution", "total overhaul", or "full replacement" depending on the context.

How does "wholesale replacement" differ from a partial replacement?

"Wholesale replacement" implies a complete and total substitution, whereas a partial replacement involves only replacing specific parts or components of a system. A "wholesale replacement" typically occurs when the original system is fundamentally flawed or irreparably damaged.