"in the place of" vs "in place of"

Question

"in the place of" vs "in place of"

Both 'in place of' and 'in the place of' are correct, but 'in place of' is more commonly used in English. They both mean to substitute or replace something with another thing.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is also used to indicate that one thing is being substituted or replaced by another thing, but it is less common than 'in place of.'

Examples:

He was asked to step in the place of the team captain.
The new employee will be working in the place of the manager while she is on vacation.

Alternatives:

in place of
as a substitute for
instead of
as a replacement for
as an alternative to

This phrase is used to indicate that one thing is being substituted or replaced by another thing.

Examples:

I will be using a pen in place of a pencil.
She was chosen to speak in place of the absent professor.
In place of sugar, you can use honey as a sweetener.
He decided to stay in place of his brother who had to leave early.
The manager will be attending the meeting in place of the CEO.

Alternatives:

as a substitute for
instead of
as a replacement for
as an alternative to
in lieu of

Answer 1

in the place of

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in place of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"in the place of" vs "in place of"

in the place of

in place of

Related Comparisons