Word: Instead

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈsted/

Definitions

• Adverb: As an alternative; in place of something else. It indicates what one does, has, or chooses when the other option is not taken or possible.

Example usage (adverb):

• I’ll take tea instead of coffee.
  • In this sentence, “instead” shows that tea is being chosen as a substitute for coffee.

Phrases

• Instead of: This phrase is commonly used to introduce the thing being replaced or the alternative action.
  • “She went for a walk instead of watching TV.”
    • Here, “instead of” introduces the alternative activity (watching TV) that was not done.

Example Sentences

• Adverb: “I decided to stay home instead and read a book.”
  • In this example, “instead” implies that the speaker chose reading a book over some other activity.

Synonyms

• In its place
• As an alternative
• Rather than
• Substituting for
• In lieu of