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Instead for Dummies

adverb

pronunciation: ɪn'stɛd

What does Instead really mean?

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Hey there! I'm here to help you understand the word "Instead." Don't worry, I'll make sure to explain it in a way that's easy to understand for you!

So, "Instead" is a word that we use when we want to talk about doing something different or making a different choice compared to what was originally planned or expected. It's like when you have two options and you choose the second one instead of the first. You are replacing or changing the first option with the second one.

Let's try to imagine a situation together. Okay, imagine you have two different ice cream flavors in front of you: chocolate and vanilla. You originally wanted to have chocolate, but then you change your mind and decide to have vanilla instead. So instead of having chocolate, you made the choice to have a different flavor, which is vanilla. Make sense?

Now, "Instead" can also mean "as a substitute" or "in place of." It's like when you can't have the first thing you wanted, so you go for another thing that can take its place. For example, let's say you wanted to wear your favorite shirt, but it's in the laundry. Instead of wearing that shirt, you choose a different one that can be a substitute for your favorite. In this case, instead means using something else instead of the original thing that you wanted.

So, to sum it all up, "Instead" means replacing or choosing something different or using something as a substitute instead of what was originally planned or expected. It's like changing your mind or making a different choice.

I hope that makes sense to you! If you have any more questions or want me to explain it in a different way, just let me know. I'm here to help!


Revised and Fact checked by James Brown on 2023-10-29 03:08:49

Instead In a sentece

Learn how to use Instead inside a sentece

  • I ran out of milk, so instead of putting milk in my coffee, I used cream.
  • I was planning to study tonight, but instead, I decided to watch a movie.
  • I was going to buy a new phone, but instead, I decided to save my money for a vacation.
  • I usually take the bus to school, but today, instead, I walked because the weather was nice.
  • I wanted to eat ice cream for dessert, but instead, I chose to have a piece of fruit.

Instead Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

alternatively or else rather