What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
substitutive
Example
The teacher provided substitutive materials for the students who were absent. [substitutive: adjective]
Example
The company hired a substitutive worker to fill in for the employee who was on leave. [substitutive: noun]
substitute
Example
I can't eat dairy, so I use almond milk as a substitute. [substitute: noun]
Example
She had to substitute for her colleague who was sick. [substitute: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Substitute is more commonly used than substitutive in everyday language. Substitute is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while substitutive is less common and is often used in technical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between substitutive and substitute?
Substitutive is typically associated with a more formal tone, while substitute is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
