These verbs are synonyms but they are used to indicate different forms of the same action. Follow the lesson to learn about their difference.

What is the difference between 'replace' and 'substitute'?

'Replace' and 'substitute' both involve the act of exchanging or using something in the place of another. However, 'replace' refers to a more permanent exchange, while 'substitute' typically indicates a temporary change. This lesson will discuss the difference between these verbs.

Permanent vs. Temporary

'Replace' refers to the act of removing or taking out something and putting a new or different thing in its position. It implies a permanent or long-term substitution where the original item or person no longer works or is missing. The focus is on finding a suitable alternative that takes the exact place or functions as the original item or person. 'Substitute', however, is not long-term or permanent like 'replace' and refers to the act of temporarily using or employing something or someone as a stand-in for another. It implies a short-term solution where the original item or person may be unavailable for a while but will return or resume its role afterward. The focus is on finding a temporary alternative that can fulfill the function or purpose of the original item or person until it is available again. Here are some examples:

I need to replace my old laptop with a new one.

I am replacing the previous project manager in the team.

I'm substituting for the project manager this week.

As you can see, while 'replace' indicates a permanent change, 'substitute' refers to a temporary arrangement.

The injured player was substituted by a player from the bench.

Grammatical Difference

Both 'replace' and 'substitute' are transitive verbs. They can indicate that a subject used or exchanged one thing in the place of another, or that the subject acted in the place of another entity. However, in the second structure, 'replace' takes a noun phrase as its object while 'substitute' takes a prepositional phrase with 'for' as its object.

The students replaced their regular textbooks with online resources in the new year.

The students substituted their regular textbooks with online resources for the assignment.

In these examples, a subject uses one thing in place another.

The science teacher had to replace the absent speaker in the fair.

The science teacher had to substitute for the absent speaker in the first day of the fair.

In these examples, the subject acts in place of another entity. Notice the use of a prepositional phrase as the object of 'substitute'.

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