# instead

/ˌɪnˈstɛd/ (US) · /ɪnstˈɛd/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/instead
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

in place of something else. You use it when you choose one thing because you do not want or cannot have another.

For teachers: as a substitute or alternative to something previously mentioned.

## Examples

- There was no coffee, so I drank tea instead.
- The restaurant was too crowded, so we decided to order a pizza and eat at home instead.
- Rather than investing in traditional advertising, the startup focused its resources on social media engagement instead, hoping to build a more direct relationship with its target audience.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I stayed home instead to go out." but "I stayed home instead of going out." — When followed by the alternative being rejected, 'instead' must be paired with 'of' and a noun or gerund.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed at the end of a clause or sentence. When used at the start of a sentence to introduce an alternative, it is usually followed by a comma.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.