1 B1 neutral
To take the place of a specific person who is absent, doing their job or role temporarily.
"Can you stand in for me at the meeting on Thursday? I have a doctor's appointment."
inseparable
stand in for
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To temporarily replace a specific person in their role or position.
In plain English
To do someone's job for them while they are away.
What does "stand in for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To serve as a symbol or representation of someone or something else.
"In the play, the empty chair stands in for the absent father."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To stand in the place of a specific person.
Actually means
To do someone's job for them while they are away.
Usage tip
This three-part phrasal verb is inseparable. Always followed by the name or description of the person being replaced.
Words that pair with "stand in for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
colleague manager teacher host presenter doctor
How to conjugate "stand in for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stand in for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stands in for
he/she/it
Past simple
stood in for
yesterday
Past participle
stood in for
have + pp
-ing form
standing in for
continuous
Hear "stand in for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "stand in for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "stand in for"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
cover for deputize for fill in for replace step in for substitute for
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