A2verb1K

Replace

UK /["/rɪˈpleɪs/","/rɪˈpleɪsɪz/","/rɪˈpleɪst/","/rɪˈpleɪsɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈpleɪs/","/rɪˈpleɪsɪz/","/rɪˈpleɪst/","/rɪˈpleɪsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be used instead of somebody/something else; to do something instead of somebody/something else

In simple words: to take something out and put something new in its place

Examples

  • Please replace the broken light bulb with a new one.
  • I need to replace my old phone because it's too slow.
  • The teacher will replace the old textbooks with new editions.
  • You can replace the batteries in the remote control easily.
  • His anger could never replace his love for his family.
  • They will replace last year's winners with new contenders this time.
  • After the accident, they had to replace the damaged fence.
  • You can’t replace memories that are precious to you.

Usage notes

Use 'replace' when discussing changing one thing for another. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in situations where repair might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

replace + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'replacement' part in a car – it goes in place of the old one!

Collocations

  • completely
  • entirely
  • fully
  • can
  • can afford to
  • be built to
  • as
  • by
  • with
  • completely
  • entirely
  • fully
  • can
  • can afford to
  • be built to
  • as
  • by
  • with
  • completely
  • entirely
  • fully
  • can
  • can afford to
  • be built to
  • as
  • by
  • with
  • carefully
  • gently
  • in
  • on

Synonyms

  • take over (from something)

Antonyms

  • keep
  • retain
  • maintain

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'substitute', which often implies a temporary replacement.
  • 'Replacing' can be misused as a noun (e.g., 'the replace').
  • Using 'replace' when the action is about fixing rather than changing.