A product that can be used in place of another is called what?

• A. Substitute
• B. Complement
• C. Normal Goods
• D. Inferior Goods

Answer: (A)

Substitutes are goods that can satisfy the same want, so they can replace each other in consumption. When one product becomes relatively more expensive or less available, people switch to its substitute, causing demand for the substitute to rise. This is why a product that can be used in place of another is called a substitute.

In contrast, complements are items usually bought together, so a price rise for one tends to reduce demand for its partner. Normal goods see higher demand as income increases, while inferior goods see lower demand as income rises.