instead of
/ɪnˈsted ʌv/
Meaning
This prepositional phrase means 'in place of' or 'rather than.' It is used to show that one person, thing, or action is replaced by another. In academic contexts, it is valuable for comparing methods, highlighting choices, or pointing out why one variable was chosen over another.
Examples
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We decided to use a qualitative approach instead of a quantitative one.
We decided to use a qualitative approach instead of a quantitative one.
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Instead of relying on self-reported data, the researchers conducted direct observations.
Instead of relying on self-reported data, the researchers conducted direct observations.
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Please submit your assignments online instead of printing them out.
Please submit your assignments online instead of printing them out.
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The company invested in green energy instead of fossil fuels this year.
The company invested in green energy instead of fossil fuels this year.
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They chose to study the effects of sleep deprivation instead of diet.
They chose to study the effects of sleep deprivation instead of diet.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Instead of to study, he went to the library to sleep.
✓ Instead of studying, he went to the library to sleep.
'Instead of' is a prepositional phrase, so any verb that follows it must be in the gerund form (-ing), not the infinitive.
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✗ Instead to write an essay, we gave a presentation.
✓ Instead of writing an essay, we gave a presentation.
Do not drop the preposition 'of'. 'Instead' alone is an adverb, whereas 'instead of' is the preposition needed before a noun or gerund.
Related Expressions
Practice
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We should focus on prevention ___ cure to manage public health.
💡 In place of; rather than.
Show answer
instead of
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___ complaining about the results, the team repeated the experiment.
💡 Capitalize the first letter. Means 'rather than doing [complaining]'.
Show answer
Instead of