Words / A2

in-STED/ɪnˈsted/

Instead means in the place of something else. Instead of + noun/-ing: tea instead of coffee; walk instead of driving. Instead can also end a sentence: I didn’t buy rice. I bought pasta instead. Rather than is similar.

Meaning

In the place of something else.

Examples

• “I drank tea instead of coffee.”
• “Let’s stay in instead.”
• “Use a pencil instead of a pen.”

Good to know

instead of + noun/-ing. Can stand alone at the end.

Near in meaning

rather than

New