Substitution
UK /["/ˌsʌbstɪˈtjuːʃn/"]/US /["/ˌsʌbstɪˈtuːʃn/"]/
Definition
an act of using one person or thing in the place of another
In simple words: A replacement of one thing with another.
Examples
- Two substitutions were made during the game.
- the substitution of low-fat spreads for butter
- the substitution of butter with low-fat spreads
Usage notes
Use 'substitution' in academic or formal contexts, like in sports or cooking. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing specific instances.
Grammar pattern
substitution + of + object
Memory hint
Think of 'subs' — a sandwich that substitutes ingredients to make it your own.
Collocations
- make a substitution
- allow substitution
- substitution of ingredients
- substitution in sports
- substitution effect
Synonyms
- replacement
- exchange
- swap
- alternation
- proxy
Antonyms
- continuation
- existence
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'substitution' with 'substituent' (a different concept in chemistry).
- Using 'substitute' instead of 'substitution' when referring to the act of replacing.
- Incorrectly forming plurals, such as 'substitutions' when speaking about a single instance.