# instead of

**Pronunciation:** ɪnˈstɛd ɒv · in-sted uv

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** prepositional phrase

## Meaning

As a substitute for or alternative to someone or something.

## Examples

- We decided to have a picnic in the garden instead of going to the beach.
- He chose to study engineering instead of medicine.
- She wore a blue dress instead of the red one.

## Synonyms

- rather than — Often used to express preference or choice.
- in place of — Emphasizes substitution more formally.
- alternatively — Suggests a different option or course of action.
- as a substitute for — Explicitly states one thing is taking the place of another.

## Antonyms

- as well as — Indicates addition or inclusion, not substitution.
- along with — Suggests accompaniment or being together with something.

## Common patterns

- instead of + noun — Used to indicate what is being replaced or omitted. — We had tea instead of coffee.
- instead of + gerund — Used to indicate an action that is not performed in favor of another. — Instead of worrying, let's focus on solutions.

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