In lieu of means instead of, in place of. A voucher in lieu of a refund is a voucher instead of your money: what comes before the phrase replaces what comes after it. You'll see it in formal letters, terms and invitations: donations in lieu of gifts. Lieu is pronounced like 'loo'.
How would you use in lieu of?
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replacement + in lieu of + noun / verb-ing
- The venue offered a voucher in lieu of a refund.
- Please bring a reusable bottle in lieu of buying bottled water.
- The couple requested donations to the shelter in lieu of gifts.
What changed
First versionIn lieu of the bad weather, we cancelled the picnic.
RevisionIn light of the bad weather, we cancelled the picnic.
In lieu of is easy to confuse with in light of, 'because of', especially as both sound official. Even native speakers mix them up. But in lieu of only means 'instead of'; for a reason, use in light of: in light of the bad weather.
Instead of means the same, just neutrally: tea instead of coffee. In lieu of is more official: payment in lieu of notice. In addition to is the opposite, 'as well as': you keep both things.
Your turn
A voucher was offered in lieu of a refund. What replaces what?
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The voucher replaces the refund. — The voucher comes before in lieu of, so it replaces the refund, which comes after.
Suggest to your friends what they could give you for your birthday instead of the usual presents. Use in lieu of.
In lieu of gifts, I'd love you to bring a book you enjoyed.
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