What does “instead of” mean?
Instead of shows a replacement or another choice. It means A happens, is used, or is true, not B.
When people say it
- To ask for one thing in place of another: Can I get mashed potatoes instead of fries?
- To show a different word or form: Pilots say niner instead of nine.
- To say one action happened, not another: We ordered takeout instead of cooking dinner.
- To point out a wrong result or mix-up: It says snakes instead of snacks.
Tone: Neutral and very common; it can sound slightly corrective when you point out an error, but it is usually polite.
In 10 of Lin's scenes
Real lines from the scenes. Open one to watch it and say it yourself.
Shadow
Line by line
Other ways to say it
Very close in meaning; sometimes a little more formal.
More formal and common in writing, instructions, or rules.
Related meaning, but different grammar: it often stands by itself, as in I’ll have tea instead.
Quick answers
Does a verb after instead of need -ing?
Usually yes. If you put a verb after instead of, it is usually in the -ing form: instead of going, instead of planning. You can also use a noun or pronoun: instead of fries, instead of me.
What is the difference between instead and instead of?
Use instead by itself when there is no object after it: I stayed home instead. Use instead of before the thing being replaced: I stayed home instead of going out.