Verb + preposition

How to use “supersede”

Supersede usually means “replace” or “take the place of.” It is commonly followed by “by” in passive structures or used without a preposition.

Quick answer

Common patterns with “supersede”

Use “supersede” without a preposition when one thing replaces another: “The new law supersedes the old one.” In passive sentences, “by” is common: “The old system was superseded by new software.” “On,” “in,” and “with” are generally not standard directly after “supersede,” while “until” is usually a separate time expression.

The policy was superseded by a revised version.
Digital tickets have superseded paper tickets.
The old agreement remained valid until it was superseded.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
supersede + object

Replacing something directly

Use “supersede” directly before the thing being replaced.

The update will supersede the earlier version.
2
superseded by + replacement

Passive form showing the replacement

Use “by” in passive sentences to name what replaced something.

The manual was superseded by an online guide.
3
supersede until + time/event

Talking about duration before replacement

“Until” does not belong to the verb pattern itself. It introduces a time limit or event.

The rule stayed in effect until it was superseded.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
superseded by
The previous model was superseded by a faster one.
Standard passive pattern showing the replacement.
supersede + object
This agreement supersedes all earlier contracts.
Standard active use without a preposition.
supersede on
The phrase “supersede on” is not a normal verb pattern.
Use another structure unless “on” introduces separate information such as a date or platform.
supersede in
“Supersede in” is generally nonstandard after the verb.
Use “supersede” directly or “be superseded by.”
supersede with
“Supersede with” is uncommon and usually avoided.
Prefer “replace with” or “be superseded by.”

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “on” directly after “supersede”

“Supersede on” is not a standard combination.

✕ The software superseded on the old platform. ✓ The software superseded the old platform.

Using “with” after “supersede”

English usually uses “replace with,” not “supersede with.”

✕ They superseded the system with a cloud service. ✓ They replaced the system with a cloud service.

Forgetting the passive pattern

When naming the replacement in passive voice, use “by.”

✕ The device was superseded a newer model. ✓ The device was superseded by a newer model.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The old regulations were superseded ___ new safety rules.
2. The new app will supersede ___ version.
3. The temporary policy remained active ___ it was superseded.

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Frequently asked questions

Can “supersede” be used without a preposition?

Yes. This is the most common structure: “The new policy supersedes the old one.”

Is “supersede by” correct?

Yes, in passive voice: “The old system was superseded by new software.”

Can I say “supersede with”?

It is usually better to use “replace with” instead.

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