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Teal lime Posted 7 years ago
Grammar

Substitute X for Y or substitute Y for X

Which of the following sentences is correct?

1) May I substitute roast beef FOR roast pork as my entree?

2) May I substitute roast pork WITH roast beef as my entree?

If both are possible, do they mean the same thing?

If so, which would you use?

Thank you.

  

Top answer

Here are the two expressions. Use 'for' with 'substitute' and 'with' with 'replace'. substitute Y for X = replace X with Y substitute beef for pork = replace pork with beef = have beef instead of pork That said, you will also see 'substitute X with Y' used to mean 'replace X with Y'.

— CalifJim

  • Here are the two expressions.
  • Use 'for' with 'substitute' and 'with' with 'replace'.
  • substitute Y for X = replace X with Y substitute beef for pork = replace pork with beef = have beef instead of pork That said, you will also see 'substitute X with Y' used to mean 'replace X with Y'.
  • It can be confusing.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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Here are the two expressions. Use 'for' with 'substitute' and 'with' with 'replace'.

substitute Y for X = replace X with Y

substitute beef for pork = replace pork with beef = have beef instead of pork

That said, you will also see 'substitute X with Y' used to mean 'replace X with Y'.

It can be confusing.

CJ

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1) May I substitute roast beef FOR roast pork as my entree? is correct and used where I am from.

It means you want to have roast beef instead of pork. Roast pork is the the original item on the menu, but I request roast beef instead.

2) May I substitute roast pork WITH roast beef as my entree? is confusing and incorrect, in my area.

However, I have noticed a lot

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