instead
word
/ˌɪnˈstɛd/
in-STED
/ɪnstˈɛd/
in-STED
Definition
Used to say that one thing is chosen or happens in the place of another thing.
Usage & Nuances
'Instead' is often followed by 'of' to form 'instead of'. Can be used at the start, middle, or end of a sentence. It shows a replacement, not addition. Common error: using 'instead' alone when 'instead of' is needed.
Spanish: en su lugar - en vez dePortuguese (BR): em vez de - no lugar dePortuguese (PT): em vez de - em lugar deChinese (Simplified): 而不是 - 取而代之Chinese (Traditional): 而不是 - 取而代之Hindi: की बजाय - इसके स्थान परArabic: بدلاً من ذلك - عوضاً عنBengali: পরিবর্তে - বদলেRussian: вместоJapanese: 代わりにVietnamese: thay vìKorean: 대신에Turkish: yerineUrdu: کی بجائےIndonesian: sebagai gantinya
Example Sentences
I want tea instead of coffee.
basic
She stayed home instead.
basic
Use your pen instead of a pencil.
basic
Why don't we watch a movie instead?
natural
He took the bus instead because his car broke down.
natural
I'm not going to buy it—I’ll wait for a sale instead.
natural