1 B1 neutral
To replace one item or person with another by putting the new one in the position formerly occupied by the old.
"The coach decided to swap in a fresh striker during the second half to add more energy to the attack."
separable
swap in
B1 neutral separable transitive
To introduce or substitute one person, component, or item in place of another that has been or will be removed.
In plain English
To put one thing or person in to replace another one that was taken out.
What does "swap in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
In computing or technical contexts, to bring a component, module, or piece of data into active use in place of another.
"You can swap in a different graphics card without having to reinstall the entire system."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To swap (exchange) something in (to a position).
Actually means
To put one thing or person in to replace another one that was taken out.
Usage tip
Common in sports (swapping in a player), computing (swapping in a module or component), and cooking (swapping in an ingredient). Works as the complement to 'swap out.' Widely used in technical and everyday contexts.
Words that pair with "swap in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
player component ingredient driver module part
How to conjugate "swap in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
swap in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swaps in
he/she/it
Past simple
swaped in
yesterday
Past participle
swaped in
have + pp
-ing form
swaping in
continuous
Hear "swap in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "swap in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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