Have you ever had to choose between two options? "Instead of" is a prepositional phrase used to express replacement or preference, meaning "in place of" or "rather than." It is especially useful in the IELTS exam when you want to compare or contrast ideas. This phrase helps convey decisions and alternatives effectively.
So, how do you use "instead of" correctly? Let’s explore it in detail with IDP.
1. What Is the Structure of "Instead of"?
"Instead of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that one thing is being replaced by another. It is commonly used to show a choice or preference between two alternatives.
Examples:
I wish my kids spent more time exercising instead of playing video games after school.
I just eat salad for breakfast instead of eating protein-rich foods.
2. Common Structures and Uses of "Instead of"
"Instead of" must be followed by a noun, noun phrase, pronoun, or gerund (V-ing). It cannot be followed by a full infinitive with to or a base verb.
This phrase can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Instead of + Noun
Used when replacing one object, person, or idea with another.
Example:
I use olive oil for cooking instead of vegetable oil.
We switched to traveling to the beach instead of the mountains.
Instead of + V-ing (Gerund)
Used when one action is replaced by another.
Example:
Could you run faster instead of walking?
Instead of grilling indoors, we decided to grill outdoors.
Instead of + Pronoun
Used to replace a person or object.
Example:
He used my laptop to write his essay instead of his.
Why did you go to the movies with Rose instead of me?
Instead of + Name
Used when replacing a specific person.
Example:
I will choose to be on the same presentation team as Mine instead of Jenny.
He is taking me to the art exhibition this weekend instead of Teresa.
3. Difference Between "Instead of" and "Instead"
Though both phrases express replacement or preference, they differ in form and usage.
Feature | Instead of | Instead |
|---|---|---|
Type | Prepositional phrase | Adverb |
Usage | Followed by noun, pronoun, or gerund | Stands alone in a clause |
Example | She took the bus instead of riding her bike. | I had tea instead. |
Example for "instead":
Since I ran out of coffee, I had a cup of tea instead.
I was going to cook, but the stove broke. Instead, I ordered takeout.
4. Difference Between "Instead of" and "Rather than"
"Rather than" and "Instead of" are similar but not interchangeable in all cases.
Phrase | Usage | Example |
Rather than | Expresses preference | I prefer playing badminton rather than going to the gym. |
Instead of | Expresses substitution | She watched the news instead of a TikTok video. |
5. Synonyms and Antonyms of "Instead of"
Synonyms
Phrase | Example |
In place of | I use butter in place of oil to knead dough. |
Rather than | I prefer studying in a coffee shop rather than the library. |
In preference to | She chose silver accessories in preference to gold ones. |
In lieu of | In lieu of a gift, she prepared a candlelit dinner. |
Antonyms
Phrase | Example |
Neither... nor | Neither my brother nor I can attend the wedding. |
Nor | She does not like fast food, nor does she like fried food. |
Without choice | Without choice, she had to accept the scholarship. |
6. Practice Exercises With "Instead of" – With Answers
Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with "instead of" or "rather than"
We decided to see a movie at home ___ going to the theater.
___ watching TV, she would rather read a book.
They chose to take the train ___ drive.
___ studying medicine, he decided to study engineering.
Let's cook at home ___ going out to eat.
Answers:
Instead of
Rather than
Instead of
Instead of
Instead of
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentence using "instead of" or "rather than"
I have no desire to watch a film. I'd rather take a stroll. ➡️ I'd rather take a stroll instead of watching a film.
He didn't purchase a new vehicle. He decided to fix the old one. ➡️ He decided to repair the old car instead of buying a new one.
They advised not only learning vocabulary but also honing speaking skills. ➡️ They advised honing speaking skills rather than only learning vocabulary.
She prefers spending time outdoors to staying indoors. ➡️ She enjoys spending time outdoors rather than staying indoors all day.
Online shopping is more popular than going to physical stores. ➡️ Online shopping is more popular than going to physical stores.
Master the Use of "Instead of" for IELTS Success With IDP
"Instead of" is an essential grammar structure used to express comparisons and alternatives. Using it accurately and flexibly helps make your writing and speaking more coherent, especially in the IELTS exam.
To improve your command of "instead of," practice regularly with IDP’s free IELTS study materials. You can also register for a free IELTS computer-based mock test to familiarize yourself with the test format, time management, and identify areas for improvement.
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and start your journey toward your target score!