Substitute For Versus Substitute With

Do you know the difference between substitute for and substitute with? Here we answer the question along with some examples.

What is the Difference Between Substitute for and Substitute With?

In substitute for, the first object mentioned replaces or takes the place of the second mentioned. In substitute with, the second object mentioned, replaces or takes the place of the first mentioned. For example:

I will use vanilla bean to substitute for vanilla syrup. This means, I will substitute vanilla syrup with vanilla bean. In both cases, I will use vanilla bean, NOT vanilla syrup.

When Should You Use Substitute for?

You use substitute for when you are using B as a replacement for A. For example:

I will use vanilla bean (B) as a substitute for vanilla syrup (A) in this recipe.

In this scenario, the recipe calls for vanilla syrup but the baker prefers to use vanilla bean instead. Or, the baker may not have vanilla syrup on hand, Rather, he or she has vanilla bean in the pantry.

To put this in another way, you use substitute for when you are using B and NOT A. For example:

I will take natural powdered herbal supplements (B) to substitute for actual herbs (A) in my diet.

In this scenario, the person will take natural powdered herbal supplements and NOT actual herbs. He or she may not like the taste of actual herbs. Or, the person may like to forego long preparations of herbal concoctions in his or her diet.

In these instances, A is the original or standard choice. But B is the final choice of use (replacement or alternative option). 

When Do You Use Substitute with?

Use substitute with when you are replacing A with B. For example:

I will substitute vanilla syrup (A) with vanilla bean (B).

In this scenario, the baker will not use vanilla syrup. Instead, the preferred or available ingredient he or she will use is vanilla bean.

 Use substitute with when you are using B and NOT A.

I will substitute actual herbs (A) with powdered herbal supplements (B).

In this scenario, the person will take powdered herbal supplements and NOT actual herbs.

In these instances,  A is the original or standard choice. But B is the final choice of use (replacement or alternative option). 

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