What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deputy
Example
The deputy mayor will be attending the meeting in place of the mayor. [deputy: noun]
Example
The CEO's deputy is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the company. [deputy: adjective]
Example
The deputy sheriff was called to assist with the investigation. [deputy: noun]
substitute
Example
I need to find a substitute for milk since I'm lactose intolerant. [substitute: noun]
Example
The teacher had to call in a substitute when she got sick. [substitute: noun]
Example
We can substitute olive oil for butter in this recipe. [substitute: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Substitute is more commonly used than deputy in everyday language. Substitute is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deputy is less common and refers to specific roles or positions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deputy and substitute?
Deputy is typically associated with a formal tone, while substitute can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be more versatile in terms of formality.
