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Verb + preposition

How to use “supplant”

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

Quick answer

Common patterns with “supplant”

Use “supplant” directly with the thing being replaced: “Streaming services supplanted DVDs.” In passive voice, use “by”: “DVDs were supplanted by streaming services.” “In” and “rather” are not standard prepositions after “supplant.”

Online maps have supplanted printed atlases.
Traditional cameras were supplanted by smartphones.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
supplant + object

Replacing something

Use “supplant” directly before the thing that is replaced.

Electric buses may supplant diesel vehicles in some cities.
2
supplanted by + replacement

Passive form

Use “by” to name what replaced something.

Cash payments are being supplanted by digital methods.
3
supplant in + context

Adding context or location

“In” may introduce a separate context, not a fixed verb pattern.

Automation could supplant some jobs in manufacturing.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
supplanted by
Film cameras were supplanted by digital cameras.
Standard passive pattern.
supplant + object
New technology may supplant older systems.
Standard active structure.
supplant in
The company hopes to supplant competitors in Asia.
“In” usually introduces a place or field, not a required preposition.
supplant rather
“Supplant rather” is not a standard construction.
“Rather” is an adverb and belongs in a different sentence structure.

Common mistakes

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

Adding unnecessary “by” in active voice

Use a direct object after “supplant.”

✕ They supplanted by older methods. ✓ They supplanted older methods.

Treating “rather” as a preposition

“Rather” does not form a normal pattern with “supplant.”

✕ The tool supplanted rather manual work. ✓ The tool supplanted manual work.

Using passive voice without “by”

Passive forms often need “by” to show the replacement.

✕ The service was supplanted a new platform. ✓ The service was supplanted by a new platform.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Streaming platforms have supplanted ___ rentals.
2. Printed manuals were supplanted ___ online guides.
3. The company hopes to supplant rivals ___ Europe.

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Frequently asked questions

Does “supplant” take a preposition?

Usually no. It commonly takes a direct object.

Is “supplanted by” correct?

Yes. It is the normal passive structure.

Can I say “supplant rather”?

No. “Rather” is not a standard complement after “supplant.”

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