instead of going

Meaning

This phrase is used to describe choosing one action over another, specifically when deciding not to go to a certain place or event. The preposition 'of' must be followed by the gerund form ('going'). It is a neutral and incredibly common way to discuss alternative plans in daily life.

Examples

• Instead of going to the gym, I decided to go for a run in the park.

  Instead of going to the gym, I decided to go for a run in the park.

• What are you doing tonight instead of going to the party?

  What are you doing tonight instead of going to the party?

• We ordered takeout instead of going out to a restaurant.

  We ordered takeout instead of going out to a restaurant.

• Instead of going by train, we saved money by carpooling.

  Instead of going by train, we saved money by carpooling.

• She stayed home to study instead of going to the concert with us.

  She stayed home to study instead of going to the concert with us.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Instead of to go to the gym, I stayed home.

  ✓ Instead of going to the gym, I stayed home.

  The preposition 'of' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive verb.

• ✗ Instead to go, we ordered pizza.

  ✓ Instead of going, we ordered pizza.

  You cannot omit the preposition 'of' when pointing to an alternative action with a verb.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___ to the movies, we decided to play board games at home.

  💡 Use a phrase that shows you chose board games over the cinema.

  Show answer

  Instead of going

• Why did you stay at the hotel ___ to the beach?

  💡 Ask about the alternative choice of not visiting the beach.

  Show answer

  instead of going