“Replace With” and “Replace By”|Knowing The Difference

Discover the differences between “Replace With” and “Replace By” in our detailed guide. Learn how to use these phrases correctly in sentences and improve your writing skills.

Being replaced is never a pleasant experience. After all, everyone has something unique to offer. But even when we feel slighted, it doesn’t mean we get to throw the rules of English grammar out the window. Today, let’s explore the difference between “replace with” and “replace by.”

Can “Replace With” and “Replace By” Be Interchangeable?

In many cases, “replace with” and “replace by” can be used interchangeably. When something is replaced, either phrase can work. For example:

• “A has been replaced with B”
• “A has been replaced by B”

Both of these sentences essentially mean the same thing, and both are correct.

However, there are some subtle differences in usage depending on the context. Let’s break it down.

When to Use “Replace With”

You should use “replace with” when you’re talking about swapping one thing for another—especially when the original object is broken, outdated, or no longer needed.

For example:

• “I need to replace this broken vase with a new one.”

If something needs to be replaced because it no longer functions or serves its purpose, the correct phrase is “replace with.”

Additionally, if the sentence begins with “I”, you will almost always use “replace with” because the person speaking is the one actively making the replacement.

For example:

• “I replaced my old phone with a new model.”
• “I was late, so I replaced my car with a faster one.”

Whenever you are the one doing the replacing, the appropriate choice is “with.”

Examples

Here are 15 examples using “replace with”:

• “I need to replace my old laptop with a newer model.”
• “She decided to replace her sugary snacks with healthier options.”
• “The mechanic will replace the flat tire with a brand new one.”
• “He replaced his daily coffee habit with herbal tea.”
• “They plan to replace the outdated software with a more efficient program.”
• “I replaced the broken chair with a sturdy new one.”
• “After the storm, we had to replace the damaged fence with a stronger design.”
• “She replaced her evening TV time with reading books.”
• “We replaced the old light bulbs with energy-efficient ones.”
• “He decided to replace his car with public transportation to save money.”
• “I replaced the worn-out sneakers with a stylish pair for running.”
• “The chef replaced the heavy cream in the recipe with coconut milk.”
• “They replaced their old carpet with hardwood flooring for a modern look.”
• “I replaced my cluttered desk with an organized workspace.”
•  “She replaced her negativity with a more positive outlook on life.”

When to Use “Replace By”

On the other hand, “replace by” is often used when referring to someone else who has taken over a role or position. This is especially common when the action is being done by an external force or when you’re talking about a person being replaced.

For example:

• “”John was replaced by Mark.”
• “The old CEO was replaced by the new management team.”
• “The outdated technology was replaced by a more advanced system.”
• “The old director was replaced by a new leader with fresh ideas.”
• “After the merger, many employees were replaced by automated systems.”
• “The traditional curriculum has been replaced by a more modern approach to education.”
• “The old regulations were replaced by new laws to better protect consumers.”
• “John was replaced by Sarah in the project team due to scheduling conflicts.”
• “The outdated equipment was replaced by newer, more efficient models.
• “”The restaurant’s menu was replaced by a focus on local ingredients.”
• “Many jobs in manufacturing have been replaced by machines.”
• “The classic film was replaced by a modern remake that attracted a new audience.”
• “His role as manager was replaced by a committee approach to leadership.”
• “The lost revenue was replaced by new funding sources.”
• “Traditional advertising methods were replaced by digital marketing strategies.”
• “The city’s old bridges were replaced by new structures that meet current safety standards.”
• “The ineffective policies were replaced by measures aimed at improving efficiency.”

“Replace by” is often used to indicate that someone has been supplanted by someone else, and it helps identify who the new person or entity is.

Context Matters: The Active Replacer

If someone is responsible for making the replacement, you should use “with” in sentences like this:

• “John replaced the broken chair with a new one.”

Here, John is the one actively making the replacement, so the correct phrase is “with.” Saying “John replaced the broken chair by a new one” would be incorrect because John is the one making the change.

In contrast, if John himself is being replaced, we would use “by.”

• “John was replaced by a new manager.”

Replacing Something Broken? Always Use “With”

If you’re replacing something that doesn’t work or is broken, you’ll always want to use “with.”

For example:

• “I need to replace my broken laptop with a new one.”
• “The leaking faucet was replaced with a modern one.”

This is because “with” indicates that the replacement is happening due to necessity or functionality. If you said “I need to replace my broken laptop by a new one,” it would sound awkward and wouldn’t follow typical usage rules.

The Rule for “I”: Always Replace “With”

When you are the one doing the replacing, you will use “replace with”. Whenever you’re taking personal action, use “with” to indicate the replacement.

For example:

• “I replaced my old shoes with a new pair.”
• “I was uncomfortable, so I replaced my chair with a more ergonomic one.”

Even when “I” doesn’t start the sentence but is implied within the clause, “replace with” is still the correct choice:

• “I was tired, so I replaced my bed with a more comfortable one.”

Replace With or By: It Might Not Matter

In certain cases, you might find that “replace with” and “replace by” are used interchangeably. This usually happens when the sentence structure or context doesn’t strongly emphasize who or what is doing the replacing.

For example:

• “John was replaced with Mark.”
• “John was replaced by Mark.”

Both of these sentences are technically correct, but “by” would typically be preferred in this case to indicate that Mark is the person who replaced John. Using “with” is still acceptable, but it could potentially cause confusion about whether Mark is the replacer or the replacement.

Examples of “Replace With”

To give you a clearer idea, here are seven examples where “replace with” is correctly used:

• “I need to replace all the junk food in my house with healthier alternatives.”
• “Sarah replaced Mark with Jacob.”
• “Alfie was replaced with Jackson, and everyone preferred Jackson’s sense of humor.”
• “I replaced the old faucets in my house with water-saving ones.”
• “I replaced Twitter with meditation for more peace in my life.”
• “I’ll replace all of you with monkeys in my company!”
• “I replaced water with fertilizer for my plants to help them grow bigger.”

Examples of “Replace By”

And here are six examples where “replace by” is correctly used:

• “The trees were replaced by concrete structures that supposedly generate electricity.”
• “Mark was replaced by Mary due to inappropriate behavior.”
• “Centuries ago, bears in this area were replaced by beavers.”
• “Knights were replaced by superheroes in modern stories.”
• “Home-cooked meals have been replaced by fast food.”
• “Traditional English cuisine has been replaced by more diverse options like curry and Chinese food.”

More Ways to Say “Replaced”

Apart from using “replace with” or “replace by,” there are several other ways you can phrase replacements. For example, you could say:

• “John now does Mark’s job.”
• “John has taken over Mark’s position.”
• “Mark is out, John is in.”

These are just a few ways to convey that one thing or person has been replaced by another.

FAQs

What does “replace with” mean?

“Replace with” means to swap one thing for another. For example, if your phone is broken, you might replace it with a new one. It shows that you are actively getting a new item to take the place of the old one.

When should I use “replace by”?

You should use “replace by” when talking about someone or something taking over a role or position. For instance, if a manager leaves, they might be replaced by someone new. It indicates who or what is taking the place of the original.

Can I use “replace with” and “replace by” interchangeably?

In some cases, you can use “replace with” and “replace by” interchangeably, but they have different meanings. “Replace with” focuses on what you are getting, while “replace by” emphasizes who or what is doing the replacing. It’s important to choose the right phrase based on your message.

What is an example of “replace with” in a sentence?

An example of “replace with” in a sentence is, “I will replace my old shoes with new ones.” This shows that you are actively choosing to get a new pair to take the place of the old ones. It’s a clear way to express a swap.

How can I remember when to use these phrases?

To remember when to use these phrases, think about the action. Use “replace with” when you are talking about actively changing something. Use “replace by” when someone or something else is taking over a position. Focusing on who is doing the replacing can help you choose the right phrase.

Conclusion

While “replace with” and “replace by” can often be interchangeable, it’s important to consider the context. If you’re replacing something that’s broken or taking an active role in the replacement, you’ll likely use “replace with.” On the other hand, when a person is being replaced, particularly in job roles or positions of responsibility, “replace by” is typically more appropriate.

When in doubt, “replace with” is usually a safer choice to avoid confusion.

We hope you found this guide helpful—and hopefully, you won’t replace us with another grammar website!