Meaning of “Instead”
The word instead is an adverb used to indicate that one thing is done or used in place of another.
It often appears with the preposition of, forming the phrase instead of.
Common Usage
Instead of + noun/gerund: Used to show replacement.Insteadat the end of a sentence: Indicates an alternative action.
Example Sentences
- I stayed home instead of going to the party.
- She drank tea instead.
- We took the bus instead of driving.
- He didn’t apologize. Instead, he walked away.
Tips for Learners
Remember: instead of must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb ending in -ing (a gerund).
Do not say “instead of to go” — say “instead of going.”