sub for someone or something
to substitute for someone or something. I have to sub for Roger at work this weekend. Will pliers sub for the wrench you wanted?
sub someone for (someone else)
and sub something for something elseto substitute someone for someone else or something for something else. I will sub Chuck for Roger for this next play only. We will sub the red ones for the blue ones.
substitute for someone or something
to serve as a replacement for someone or something. I have to substitute for Roger at work this weekend. Do you think that this will substitute for the one you wanted?
substitute someone for (someone else)
and substitute something for something elseto exchange someone or something for someone or something else; to replace someone or something with someone or something else. Shall I substitute Fred for Mary in the front office? Please substitute fish for beef on my dinner order.