instead

/ɪnˈsted/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsted/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈsted/ (ame, mw)

instead — adverb

1. used to say that one person, thing, or action takes the place of another that wa

1.副詞A2
釋義

used to say that one person, thing, or action takes the place of another that was originally planned, expected, or available

例句

Instead of driving his own car, Joaquín took the train to work every morning.

instead of + noun phrase / gerund for substitution

The shop had run out of oranges, so Eliska bought apples instead.

instead at end of clause showing replacement

同義詞
  • in place of

    more formal; preferred in written official or legal contexts

  • as a substitute

    emphasises the replacement role; used in formal or commercial language

  • rather than

    used before a noun or verb to express preference between two options

反義詞

文法句型

instead of + noun phrase

instead of + gerund

[clause] + instead

用法筆記

Frequently followed by 'of' to introduce the person or thing being replaced. When used without 'of', 'instead' typically appears at the end of the clause: 'She stayed home instead.'

常見錯誤

❌Instead of go home, I stayed.
✅Instead of going home, I stayed.
💡After 'instead of', use the -ing form (gerund), not the base form of the verb.
❌I instead went to the park.
✅I went to the park instead.
💡'Instead' is not placed between the subject and the main verb; it goes at the end of the clause.

2. used to introduce a course of action or opinion that is the opposite of what has

2.副詞B1
釋義

used to introduce a course of action or opinion that is the opposite of what has just been mentioned or expected

例句

Chiara did not give up on her dream. Instead, she worked twice as hard as before.

Instead, + contrary clause after negative statement

Tanvi thought the film would be quite boring. Instead, she found it deeply moving.

同義詞
  • on the contrary

    more formal; used in academic or persuasive writing

  • rather

    similar meaning but more formal; can sound literary

  • conversely

    formal; used to introduce a contrasting logical point

反義詞
  • similarly

    introduces a parallel rather than opposite idea

  • likewise

    formal; confirms the same direction of action

文法句型

[negative statement]. Instead, [contrary statement]

用法筆記

Functions as a sentence adverb linking a negative or unexpected statement to a contrasting positive one. Typically followed by a comma when beginning a new sentence. Distinguish from Sense 1 (AS REPLACEMENT): here the focus is on contradiction or surprise, not on substituting one item for another.

常見錯誤

❌She did not sleep, instead she read a book.
✅She did not sleep. Instead, she read a book.
💡When 'instead' introduces a new clause showing contrast, use a full stop or semicolon before it, and a comma after.
❌He didn't go. Instead he stayed.
✅He didn't go. Instead, he stayed.
💡A comma after 'Instead' at the start of a sentence is standard in formal and academic writing.