以…代…
to use A in place of B (written style)
Structure
以 替代的东西 代（替） 原来的东西
What it means
'To use A in place of B': the written form of 用 A 代替 B.
How it is built
以 + substitute + 代（替）+ original: 不少网友以谐音字代替敏感词 (many netizens use sound-alike characters in place of sensitive words). Set phrase: 以茶代酒 (toasting with tea instead of wine).
When to use it
Written or formal; in speech say 用A代替B. A single 代 survives mainly in set phrases. 代替 is standing in for something; 取代 is replacing it for good: 电子邮件取代了书信.
Watch out
Order matters: the substitute follows 以, the thing replaced follows 代. 以茶代酒 is tea instead of wine; swap them and the meaning flips.
Examples
不少网友以谐音字代替敏感词。
Many netizens use sound-alike characters in place of sensitive words.
今年公司年会以聚餐代替演出。
This year the company party swapped the performances for a dinner.
Learn this in Lesson 111 · HSK 7–9: 绕着说 (Talking around it online)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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