Instead and Instead of - Grammar Shorts — Explanation

Both instead and instead of express an alternative or a replacement, but they are used differently. instead is an adverb and is normally found at the end or beginning of a sentence. Instead of is a prepositional phrase and requires a noun, pronoun or -ing (gerund) after it.

Instead vs Instead of

When to Use "Instead"

Use instead when you mention an alternative without directly following it with a noun or verb.

Structure

Sentence + instead
Instead, + sentence

Examples

• I was tired, so I stayed home instead.
• She didn't buy a dress. She bought a jacket instead.
• Let's walk instead.
• He decided to study instead.
• Instead, we ordered pizza.

When to Use "Instead of"

Use instead of before a noun, pronoun, or verb + -ing to show what is being replaced.

Structure

instead of + noun
instead of + pronoun
instead of + verb (-ing)

Examples

• I drank tea instead of coffee.
• She walked instead of taking the bus.
• We stayed home instead of going out.
• He chose fish instead of steak.
• Instead of watching TV, I read a book.

Key Differences

Instead	Instead of
An adverb	A prepositional phrase
Usually comes at the beginning or end of a sentence	Must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund
No object follows it	An object always follows it
I stayed home instead.	I stayed home instead of going out.

Compare the Difference

Instead	Instead of
Let's order pizza instead.	Let's order pizza instead of cooking.
She took a taxi instead.	She took a taxi instead of the bus.
I stayed home instead.	I stayed home instead of going to the party.
Instead, we watched a movie.	Instead of watching TV, we played cards.

Both instead and instead of express an alternative. Use instead as an adverb when it stands alone, usually at the beginning or end of a sentence. Use instead of before a noun, pronoun, or verb + -ing to show what is replaced. Remember the simple rule: instead = alone, instead of = followed by something.