ENGLISH
REFERENCE

substituting

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsəbstɪˌtutɪŋ// UK //sˈʌbstɪtjˌuːtɪŋ// sub·sti·tut·ing

v. using one thing or person instead of another. You do this when the original choice is not available or when you want a change.

v. the present participle of 'substitute'; refers to the act of replacing one person or thing with another. Often describes a temporary or functional exchange.


SIMPLE

I am substituting honey for sugar in this recipe.

CONTEXTUAL

The coach is substituting the injured player with a fresh substitute to maintain the team's energy levels.

COMPLEX

By substituting traditional fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, the city aims to reduce its carbon footprint significantly over the next decade.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used with the prepositions 'for' (to replace the original) or 'with' (to introduce the replacement).

Pitfall

substituting sugar by honeysubstituting sugar with honeyWhile 'by' is sometimes used in passive structures, 'with' or 'for' are the standard prepositions for this verb.

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