[Ads-l] "Substitute it with"?

Joel Berson berson at ATT.NET
Thu Apr 13 02:16:35 UTC 2017


"Julia confiscates Tzanko's wristwatch, which he calls Glory (it's an heirloom of sorts), and substitutes it with his chintzy digital award."

>From a review of the film of the same name, by Glenn Kenny in the NYT, today (April 12, 2017).

Awkward at best.  The intended meaning is that Julia takes Tzanko's heirloom (an analog watch) from his wrist and replaces it with the watch (digital) awarded him for a civic good deed.


Incorrect at worst?  Seems like the direct and indirect objects of "substitute" (if I have the right terms) are reversed.  


Joel


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