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Russia flagSvetlanaProfessional Teacher
What is the difference? Hi world! Can anyone help me with one simple question please? Words CHANGE SUBSTITUTE REPLACE sometimes can have the same meaning, can't they? I do realize they are not interchangeable, but I'd like to know what the main difference is. For example I bought a new phone instead of my old one. Does it mean I changed or replaced or substituted my old one? Thanks in advance

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What is the difference?

Hi world!
Can anyone help me with one simple question please?
Words CHANGE SUBSTITUTE REPLACE sometimes can have the same meaning, can't they? I do realize they are not interchangeable, but I'd like to know what the main difference is.
For example
I bought a new phone instead of my old one. Does it mean I changed or replaced or substituted my old one?

Thanks in advance


'Change' has the broader meaning of the three words. It simply means to make something different.
If you got rid of an old phone and bought a new one, you can say you've 'changed' your phone. With 'change', you are simply saying you are using a *different* phone. The new phone may be near equivalent to the old phone, or it may not be similar.

'replace' and 'substitute' are close in meaning, but both are more specific in meaning than 'change'.
They both essentially mean to substitute something that is a near equivalent for what you had previously. You are saying you are using a near equivalent, and not just using anything different (as with 'change')

The key difference between the two is 'substitute' usually means it is being substituted for a short period of time, while 'replace' is for a longer period of time.
If I *replaced* my phone with a new one, I am saying I've changed my phone for a new one 'that is a near equivalent and this arrangement or change will NOT be for a short time.
If I *substituted* my phone with a new one, my new phone is a near equivalent, BUT the change will be for a shorter time than if I said 'replace'.

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CHANGE would be the best in this phrase because the new phone replaced the former one. After the fantastic explanation from our colleague it's so clear now!!!

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