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Tony Patterson

Instead

In this blog we will look at how to use the word 'instead'.


Let's take an example sentence first.

I didn't go to the supermarket today. I went to the cinema instead.

The 'instead' here is used to say that the subject (I) went to the cinema 'in place of' or 'as a substitute to' the supermarket.


Was the subject going to go to the supermarket? Yes.

Did the subject go to the supermarket? No.

Did the subject go to the cinema? Yes.

 

Let's look at another example, in the style of a conversation.


A: I just got an email saying the play is cancelled.

B: Oh no! What should do instead?

A: Let's go to the pub.


In this scenario the play has been cancelled. Person B say 'what should we do instead'. Here, 'instead' means 'in place of the play' or 'as a substitute to the play'.


Were the subjects going to a play? Yes.

Was the play cancelled? Yes.

Was going to the pub suggested instead? Yes.

 

This is an example from Twitter:

No sunny photos today so have some gentle raindrops and birdsong instead.

The 'instead' is used to say that, as a substitute for sunny photos, we have gentle raindrops and birdsong.

 

Conclusion:


'Instead' means 'in place of'. It is used when something has been replaced, or we are asking a question about what will replace something.

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