Instead means “in place of this” or “as an alternative”. It shows that one option was rejected and another one chosen, and the rejected option has already been mentioned. Instead goes either at the start of a new sentence, followed by a comma, or at the end of a clause: We didn't fly. Instead, we took the train. We took the train instead.
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Sentence. Instead, + clause; clause + instead (end position); instead of + noun/-ing (when the rejected option follows)
- I didn't feel like cooking, so I ordered a pizza instead.
- The manager didn't cancel the meeting. Instead, she moved it to Friday afternoon.
- Many schools no longer ban phones. Instead, they teach students to use them sensibly.
What changed
First versionThe council didn't build a new car park. Instead of, it opened two new bus routes.
RevisionThe council didn't build a new car park. Instead, it opened two new bus routes.
Instead and instead of are easy to mix up. But of always needs something after it, the thing that is being replaced: instead of a car park. If nothing follows, you write just Instead; the idea of “this” is already inside the word. So of was removed.
Instead of is needed when the rejected option is named in the same sentence: Instead of building a car park, the council opened two bus routes. Instead without of doesn't take anything after it. In an essay, Instead at the start of a sentence is a handy way to introduce your own solution after criticising someone else's: Banning cars is unrealistic. Instead, cities should build more cycle lanes.
Your turn
The museum was closed for repairs. ___, we spent the afternoon walking around the old town.
Show the answer
Instead — The closed museum is mentioned in the first sentence, and the second one says what replaced the visit. This kind of replacement is introduced by Instead with a comma. After Instead of you would need the thing that was given up: Instead of visiting the museum, we…
Write about a plan you had to change: a trip, a meeting or a weekend. In the first sentence, say what didn't work out; start the second with Instead and say what you did.
Our flight to Rome was cancelled because of a strike. Instead, we rented a car and drove to the Alps.
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