Instead: choosing an alternative

The idea

Use instead without an object: we stayed home instead. Use instead of before a noun or -ing form: instead of the bus; instead of waiting.

Examples

• There is no coffee, so I will have tea instead.
• She walked instead of taking the bus.
• Can we meet on Friday instead?
• He chose the blue chair instead of the red one.
• Instead of waiting, we sent a message.
• They stayed home instead.

Watch out

Do not use instead directly before a noun without of: say instead of the bus.

Try it yourself

1. Refer back to the earlier choice without naming an object. There is no coffee; I will have tea ___. (instead / instead of)

   Show answer or example answer

   instead

   Instead refers back to the earlier choice.

2. Choose the word before the thing replaced. She walked instead ___ the bus. (of / to)

   Show answer or example answer

   of

   Of introduces the thing replaced.

3. Choose the -ing form after instead of. Instead of ___, we sent a message. (waiting / wait)

   Show answer or example answer

   waiting

   Waiting is an -ing form after instead of.

Use it today

Describe a plan you changed and what you did instead.