What are the definitions of “stand in for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Substitute someone temporarily.
She had to STAND IN FOR the editor while he was on holiday.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand in for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand in for is to temporarily substitute or replace someone, usually in a job or role. It means that one person takes on the responsibilities of another person who is absent or unavailable.
What are the different verb forms of “stand in for”?
| Root Verb | stand in for |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands in for |
| Present Participle | standing in for |
| Simple Past | stood in for |
| Past Participle | stood in for |
Example
Can you stand in for me at the meeting tomorrow?
Example
She often stands in for her boss when he is out of town.
Example
He is standing in for the lead actor during rehearsals.
Example
Last week, I stood in for my coworker who was on vacation.
Example
He has stood in for the manager several times this year.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand in for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“stand in for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She stood in for the teacher during her maternity leave.
Example
He stood in for the lead singer at last night's concert.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“stand in for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She stood in for the teacher during her maternity leave.
Example
He stood in for the lead singer at last night's concert.
Good things to know
Does “stand in for” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand in for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “stand in for”?
Synonyms
- substitute
- replace
- fill in for
- cover for
- take the place of
- act as
