Sports / B2

SUBST-it-yoot/ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/

To substitute is to use one thing in place of another. The pattern that trips learners is substitute A for B (A replaces B): substitute honey for sugar; replace B with A is clearer for some speakers. As a noun, a substitute is the person or thing that stands in (a substitute teacher); substitution is the related noun.

Meaning

To use one thing instead of another.

Examples

• “You can substitute honey for sugar.”
• “You can substitute oat milk for dairy in this recipe.”
• “A substitute came on after twenty minutes.”

Good to know

substitute A for B = A replaces B. Noun: a substitute. Related: replace B with A.

Near in meaning

replace

Topics

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