replace vs take the place of

Both "replace" and "take the place of" are correct phrases that can be used interchangeably to convey the same meaning. They both mean to substitute one thing or person for another. The choice between them depends on the context and personal preference.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1117 views

The word "replace" is a common and correct term in English. It means to provide a substitute or alternative for something.

"replace "

The word "replace" is used when you want to indicate that one thing or person is being substituted for another.

Examples:

I need to replace the broken light bulb.
She will replace him as the team captain.

Show examples from the web [+]

Pressure grew to replace Admiral Churchill with someone more dynamic.
AIP can augment or replace the diesel-electric propulsion system of non-nuclear vessels.
Let's see Josh replace these people.
His predecessor has proven difficult to replace.
No regulation can replace honesty in this area.
No institutionalized communication policy could replace this.
The means of mass communication replace conventional weapons.
Solar panels that replace roof shingles.
Somehow she must replace it without delay.
Description In 2007/2008 there were plans to replace Zandvoort circuit.
Designed to replace clothes traditional firefighters.
General Clausel was appointed a second time to replace d'Erlon.
Portugal order two further ships to replace them.
One problem always seems to replace another.
Superbolt multi-jackbolt tensioners (MJTs) replace existing hex nuts.
However, this must complement and not replace immediate European action.
Winter is also the best time to replace trellises.
Appropriate antihypertensive drug must usually replace Irbesartan Hydrochlorothiazide BMS before starting a pregnancy.
An appropriate antihypertensive medication must usually replace Copalia before starting a pregnancy.
Appropriate antihypertensive medicinal product must usually replace Irbesartan Krka before starting a pregnancy.

Alternatives:

substitute
swap out
exchange
substitute for

The phrase "take the place of" is also correct and can be used to mean replacing something or someone with another.

"take the place of "

The phrase "take the place of" is a more formal or descriptive way of expressing the act of replacing something or someone.

Examples:

The new employee will take the place of the retiring manager.
The digital clock took the place of the old analog one.

Show examples from the web [+]

You must take the place of Antonio.
No one forced you to take the place of Jeanne.
Such communication actions must not, however, take the place of reporting.
This sort of measure tends to take the place of medical treatment and the promotion of a better diet.
She therefore considers it essential to adopt a framework decision applying the principle of mutual recognition which, as provided for by the Tampere European Council and in subsequent decisions, will take the place of the current arrangements for judicial assistance in criminal matters.
The helicopter is so useful that someday it may take the place of cars and trains.
Fiscal discipline and retrenchment must not take the place of a job stimulus plan, yet that is happening in many countries, including my own, Ireland.
But he overdid himself when he asked me... to take the place of Julie Roussel.
You know I would never try to take the place of your father...
The EVS cannot take the place of either compulsory military service or national forms of civil service, and the Member States have to bear that in mind.
Associate membership via the Mediterranean Union can complement but not take the place of the integration process.
Fears and received ideas often take the place of information.
An invitation certified by a police department may take the place of the financial resources.
Videoconferencing, for example, can take the place of flights.
The regulatory procedure must not be allowed to take the place of legislative activity.
The report stresses that volunteering and voluntary activity should in any event not take the place of paid work.
The European Commission will never be able to take the place of national control systems.
I can never take the place of your parents.
Nothing can take the place of the one that's gone.
But nothing won't never take the place of ice.

Alternatives:

replace
substitute for
stand in for
fill in for

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