Examples of how to use the word “instead” in a sentence. How to connect “instead” with other words to make correct English sentences.
instead (adv): in place of someone or something else
Use “instead” in a sentence
| He usually uses credit cards instead of cash. |
| Since we had no sugar, we used honey instead. |
| They chose her instead of me. |
| Instead of buying a new car, I bought a used one. |
| She advised him to walk instead of taking a bus.
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1. He used a knife instead of chopsticks.
2. Let’s reason the matter out instead of quarreling.
3. He is too busy, let me go instead.
4. Will you go to the party instead of me?
5. Focus on small goals instead of big ones.
6. You probably picked up my keys instead of yours.
7. We took a cross-country route instead of the motorway.
8. Try to laugh at it instead of getting uptight.
9. Shall we have fish instead of meat today?
10. We’ve no coffee. Would you like tea instead?
11. If you cannot go, let him go instead.
12. Mr. Lee, instead of the manager, is in charge of this.
13. Instead of catching fish,all he fished out was an old boot.
14. It is advisable that we stay at home instead of going to the movie.
15. Instead of retaliating,[sentencedict.com/instead.html] he walks away leaving his team-mates to fight it out.
16. They raised prices and cut production, instead of cutting costs.
17. Let’ s go for a walk instead of playing video games.
18. Instead of injecting drugs into toes, they mainlined themselves under the tongue.
19. If we only had some God in the country’s laws, instead of beng in such a sweat to get him into the Constitution, it would be better all around. 
20. Don’t try to win a friend by presenting gifts. You should instead contribute your sincere love and learn how to win others ‘heart through appropriate ways.
21. We were still playing at war — dropping leaflets instead of bombs.
22. Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead.
23. The reason why people give up so quickly is because they look at how far they still have to go, instead of how far they have come.
24. Centrifugal machines are connected to the motor drive directly instead of through a gearbox.
25. When we bought our house, we did our own conveyancing instead of using a lawyer.
26. There’s no coffee — would you like a cup of tea instead?
27. He just breezed in as if he’d only been away a day instead of ten years.
28. The government wants more people to use public transport instead of private cars.
29. If they throw stones at you, don’t throw back(sentencedict.com), use them to build your own foundation instead.
30. Because it is in an enterprise zone, taxes on non-food items are 3.5% instead of the usual 7%.
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I want to keep fit so I walk everywhere instead of driving. Instead is an adverb and means ‘as an alternative’. We can use instead at the beginning or the end of a clause, although in spoken English it is more common at the end. Holidays in Italy are too expensive so we’re going to Greece instead.
How do you use instead in a sentence?
Instead sentence example
- I will try to make friends instead of enemies. …
- I always pictured myself driving a van instead of a truck. …
- Instead of dining out, we ordered a couple of pizzas. …
- Instead of improving, Destiny got steadily worse. …
- Instead of shifting with each step, the ground felt solid.
How do you use instead?
Instead is an adverb. You use it when saying what someone does rather than doing something else. Hema did not answer. Instead she looked out of the taxi window.
How can I start a sentence with instead?
When it goes at the beginning of a sentence, we usually separate it off with a comma. Instead of is a preposition.
…
It means ‘as an alternative’.
- He didn’t buy a large loaf. Instead, he bought two small loaves.
- She didn’t go to Greece. Instead, she went to Italy.
- Don’t marry Peter. Marry me instead.
How do you use instead in the middle of a sentence?
The adverb “instead” is equivalent to saying “alternatively” which is supposed to be written either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence. It is not advisable to situate instead in the middle of the sentence because it would incorrectly function as a conjunction.
18 related questions found
Can I use instead after semicolon?
If you are joining independent clauses to write compound sentences, use a semicolon BEFORE and a comma AFTER connecting conjunctions like ‘also’, ‘however’, ‘instead‘, ‘meanwhile’, ‘moreover’, ‘namely’, ‘now’, ‘otherwise’, ‘similarly’, ‘still’, ‘then’, ‘therefore’, ‘thus’.
What is meaning of instead of?
: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to chose tea instead of coffee.
Does instead need a comma?
You needn’t always use a comma before “instead”. We sometimes use “instead” as a preposition, and in that case a comma isn’t required. However, when we use “instead” as an adverb and in the beginning of the sentence, the comma is required.
What can be used instead of for example?
For Example’ Synonym Phrases
- «For instance …»
- «To give you an idea …»
- «As proof …»
- «Suppose that …»
- «To illustrate …»
- «Imagine …»
- «Pretend that …»
- «To show you what I mean …»
What can I substitute for cream?
The 10 Best Substitutes for Heavy Cream
- Milk and Butter. …
- Soy Milk and Olive Oil. …
- Milk and Cornstarch. …
- Half-and-Half and Butter. …
- Silken Tofu and Soy Milk. …
- Greek Yogurt and Milk. …
- Evaporated Milk. …
- Cottage Cheese and Milk.
What could I use instead of buttermilk?
Summary A common way to make a buttermilk substitute is to add an acidic substance — typically lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar — to milk. Alternately, you can use plain yogurt, sour cream, kefir, or buttermilk powder as a substitute.
What can I use instead of parchment paper?
From Foil to Silicone: The Best Alternatives to Parchment Paper
- Aluminium foil. Aluminium foil is probably your best option for replacing parchment paper. …
- Greased pan. …
- Cooking spray. …
- Silicone baking pad/mat.
Is instead one word or two?
instead Add to list Share. The adverb instead means in place of or as a substitute for something else. … The adverb instead was originally two words, «in stead,» with «stead» coming from stede, the Old English word for place.
How can I use instead of because?
because
- ’cause,
- as,
- as long as,
- being (as or as how or that)
- [chiefly dialect],
- considering,
- for,
- inasmuch as,
What is without in grammar?
from English Grammar Today. The preposition without means ‘not having something’ or ‘lacking something’: I can’t drink tea without milk.
Is instead a conjunctive adverb?
Some common conjunctive adverbs are accordingly, also, anyway, besides, certainly, consequently, finally, furthermore, hence, however, incidentally, indeed, instead, likewise, meanwhile, moreover, nevertheless, next, nonetheless, otherwise, similarly, still, subsequently, then, therefore, and thus. …
Where do we use in a sentence?
«I visited my old neighborhood where I have the best memories.» «I went back to the store where I bought my sweater.» «I went to the library where I studied until 8 o’clock.» «I went to my friend’s house where we got ready for the party.»
What can I use instead of we in an essay?
Ways of Avoiding Pronouns “I”, “You” and “We” in an Essay. You can replace the pronouns ‘I’, ‘You’, and ‘We’ by replacing them with acceptable wording, applying passive voice instead of pronouns, Using a third-person perspective, adopting an objective language, and including strong verbs and adjectives.
What does the word alternatively?
adverb. as another choice or option:At the end of the unit, each group of students writes a book review or, alternatively, acts out a short scene from the book.
What is the synonym of instead?
In this page you can discover 18 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for instead, like: rather, rather-than, alternatively, in preference, in its stead, as a substitute, as an alternative, or-else, on-second-thought, in its place and simply.
When should I use meanwhile?
Meanwhile, meaning during this time, is a linking adverb which connects and contrasts ideas between two sentences. It indicates that one event is going on at the same time as another: Slice and brush the aubergines with oil and bake in the oven till soft. Meanwhile, melt some butter in a small pan…
When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?
Rule to Remember
Use a semicolon to replace a comma when you use a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses that already contain commas. In this example, using a semicolon makes it easier to read the two independent clauses on either side of the coordinating conjunction: Correct: My dog is sick.
When should a colon be used?
A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. (She had one love: Western Michigan University.)
Definition of Instead
in place of, as a substitute
Examples of Instead in a sentence
Instead of using the locker that was assigned to him, the high school senior carries around his books in a backpack.
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Arisa would love to take a boat ride to the island, but I think that we should explore the city instead.
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The teacher agreed to let us watch a movie instead of making us write another boring paper.
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At the beginning of a sentence, use a comma after the conjunctive adverb «instead» to indicate that it modifies the whole sentence that follows.
At the beginning of a sentence, use a comma after the conjunctive adverb «instead» to indicate that it modifies the whole sentence that follows.
He didn’t buy a large car. Instead, he bought a smaller vehicle.
In the middle of a sentence, you can optionally set off «instead» with commas to stress a pause.
My father wanted me to study architecture. I decided, instead, to become a software engineer.
At the start of a sentence, the preposition «instead of» introduces a prepositional phrase (e.g., «instead of eating pizza»). In this situation, place a comma if the phrase contains five or more words (or the comma makes the sentence clearer).
Instead of ordering a salad with your meal, try a pumpkin soup.
Instead of going to school, I spent the whole day in bed.
Contents
- 1. Commas Before and After ‘Instead’
- 1.1 At the start of sentence
- 1.2 In mid-sentence
- 2. How to punctuate ‘Instead of’ Correctly
- 2.1 At the start of sentence
- 2.2 In mid-sentence
1. Commas Before and After ‘Instead’
«Instead» means «as an alternative» or «in place of someone/something else».
There’s no tea. Would you like a cup of coffee instead?
Conjunctive adverbs, such as «instead«, can be moved within a clause, so you can say:
Instead, I’ll buy the red shirt.
I’ll buy instead the red shirt.
I’ll buy the red shirt instead.
1.1 At the start of sentence
At the start of a sentence, «instead» should be followed by a comma to signal that the adverb describes not only the word that follows but also the complete clause or sentence that follows. For example:
I wanted to visit Spain. Instead, we went to Italy because my wife wanted to explore Florence and Rome.
My father wants me to repair the old computer. Instead, I’ll buy a new laptop.
1.2 In mid-sentence
In the middle or at the end of a sentence, you can optionally set off «instead» with commas to indicate a strong interruption or clarify the meaning of a sentence (avoid confusion).
I think that the European market is promising. My boss, instead, thinks that we should focus on the Asian market.
In many situations, however, commas are unnecessary around «instead» in the middle (or at the end) of a sentence.
My financial advisor thinks that I should invest in gold, but I decided to buy stocks instead since gold prices were too high.
I regret marrying Sarah. I should have married Olivia instead.
2. How to punctuate ‘Instead of’ Correctly
As a preposition, «instead of» must not be separated from the noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that follows.
I would like to go to Paris instead of visiting Rome.
I would like to go to Paris instead of, visiting Rome.
Be aware that «instead» is not used alone as a preposition.
Instead of pasta I would like to have a pizza.
Prepositions, like «instead of«, can be followed by:
- a noun (e.g., «instead of Mary»),
- a pronoun (e.g., «instead of her»), or
- a phrase (e.g., «instead of playing tennis near home»).
We do not always need a comma after «instead of…» when followed by a noun or pronoun.
I’ll have a piece of carrot cake instead of pudding.
You can plant flowers along the low hedges, or instead of them.
2.1 At the start of sentence
We usually add a comma after an introductory phrase, like «instead of«, in the following situations:
- after prepositional phrases of five or more words,
- to avoid confusion, or
- when a series of prepositional phrases starts the sentence.
For example, the following prepositional phrases contain five or more words.
Instead of going to lunch, I went for a walk and had a chat with some friends.
Instead of eating french fries, you should have something light before the main dish.
The following example contains two prepositional phrases at the start of the sentence.
Instead of meat, during periods of extreme food shortages, people tend to eat food that they normally do not consider edible.
2.2 In mid-sentence
In mid-sentence (or at the end of a sentence), you should enclose a phrase introduced by «instead of» in commas if the information is parenthetic or nonessential; that is, when introducing information that can be used as an aside.
I went with my friend to a Japanese restaurant, instead of going to the movies, and enjoyed an exceptional menu.
Deciding whether a brief phrase is or not essential is not always easy. However, if the interruption of the sentence flow is slight, the commas may be safely omitted.
You should eat more fruit instead of candy because you’ve been gaining weight lately.
In other words, you can add commas or omit them. But whether the interruption is brief or notable, never skip one comma and leave the other.
I prefer to play video games, instead of watching TV before going to bed.
I prefer to play video games, instead of watching TV, before going to bed.