instead
ihn-STEHD
Instead (adv) means In place of something else already mentioned; as a substitute. Example: “She skipped the cake and had fruit instead.”
adv
1
In place of something else already mentioned; as a substitute.
"‘It's rather like a beautiful Inverness cloak one has inherited. Much too good to hide away, so one wears it instead of an overcoat and pretends it's an amusing new fashion.’"
— Margery Allingham (1963)
"She skipped the cake and had fruit instead."
"Instead of driving, they decided to walk to the station."
"I was going to go shopping, but I went dancing instead."
"The shop was closed, so we went to the café down the road instead."
How to use instead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to swap one thing in for another that was expected or mentioned.
Common pairings
instead of
do this instead
go instead
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She skipped the cake and had fruit _____.
Etymology
From Middle English "in stede," literally "in place (of)" — the same "stead" that survives in "homestead" and "stead of".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for instead
See all rhymes for instead →Frequently asked questions
What does “instead” mean?
The word “instead” means in place of something else already mentioned; as a substitute. In plain terms, used to swap one thing in for another that was expected or mentioned.
How do you pronounce “instead”?
“Instead” is pronounced ihn-STEHD (/ɪnˈstɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “instead” in a sentence?
Here is “instead” used in a sentence: “She skipped the cake and had fruit instead.”
What part of speech is “instead”?
“Instead” is an adverb.
Where does the word “instead” come from?
The word “instead” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "in stede," literally "in place (of)" — the same "stead" that survives in "homestead" and "stead of".
Is “instead” a common word?
“Instead” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'instead' and 'instead of'?
'Instead' is an adverb that stands alone, usually at the start or end of a sentence: 'I didn't call; I texted instead.' 'Instead of' is a two-word preposition that must be followed by a noun or an -ing verb: 'I texted instead of calling.' The two are not interchangeable.
How do you use 'instead' in a sentence?
Use it to show that one thing replaces another already mentioned. It often sits at the end: 'The shop was closed, so we went home instead.' It can also open a sentence for contrast: 'Instead, she decided to wait.' Note that it does not take an object directly after it.
Can you start a sentence with 'instead'?
Yes. Beginning a sentence with 'instead' is correct and common, especially to draw a contrast with the previous statement: 'We planned to drive. Instead, we took the train.' A comma normally follows it. This is a matter of style, not a grammar error.
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