What do you understand "I substituted x for y" to mean?

[JKellyMap]

@kayT

I too have heard this more ambiguous, less correct way of phrasing it. I suspect this is done by the same folks who say “do you want to come with?”

That’s a vestige of German immigration, to places like Wisconsin and Texas Hill Country.

[RTFirefly]

@Johanna

I too thought it was ESL substrate interference, but the wise clerks of Oxenford say the controversial construction has been in use since the late 17th century.

And if anyone takes issue with those wise clerks, I’ll come at 'em with my blunderbuss.

[Mean_Mr.Mustard]

@BobBitchin

IMO you have it right.

I think the 2 people you mention are part of a new movement. They use whatever word comes to mind and then hand wave “everybody knows what I mean”.

I think most people became aware of the movement from people ranting about “literally” and “could care less”, but lately other words and phrases are falling to it.:smack:

I totally agree.

And if anyone disagrees I’ll verse them in a wrestling match.
mmm

[pulykamell]

@Johanna

I too thought it was ESL substrate interference, but the wise clerks of Oxenford say the controversial construction has been in use since the late 17th century.

But the example given is substitute X with Y, not subtitute x for Y. I think most of us are fine with “substitute X for Y” and “substitute Y with X” meaning the same thing. The object of the verb and preposition swap places, but the preposition itself that is used is different. I don’t think the usage note is saying “substitute X for Y” and “substitute Y for X” can mean the same thing.

[Johanna]

@Smudge777

“Substitute x with y” to get y instead of x (although I find this awkward-sounding, and personally would use “replace x with y”).

That’s exactly what I do when editing Italian-to-English translations by others. Replace with “replace.”

[Johanna]

@pulykamell

But the example given is substitute X with Y, not subtitute x for Y. I think most of us are fine with “substitute X for Y” and “substitute Y with X” meaning the same thing. The object of the verb and preposition swap places, but the preposition itself that is used is different. I don’t think the usage note is saying “substitute X for Y” and “substitute Y for X” can mean the same thing.

Maybe, though, that’s where the confusion started and it proceeded to get worse from there.

@RTFirefly

And if anyone takes issue with those wise clerks, I’ll come at 'em with my blunderbuss.

Delighted how neatly you hit my serve, old friend.