instead of vs instead of you to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Instead of' is used to introduce a preferred alternative, while 'instead of you to' is used to express surprise or disbelief at someone's actions.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1264 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"instead of "

This phrase is used to introduce a preferred alternative or choice. It indicates that one thing is done or used in place of another.

Examples:

I'll have tea instead of coffee.
Instead of going out, let's stay in and watch a movie.
She chose to walk instead of taking the bus.
Instead of studying, he played video games all day.
Instead of buying a new car, he decided to fix up his old one.

Show examples from the web [+]

Thosewhowantmusic instead of noise. Happinessratherthanenjoyment.
Someday, instead of managing brain degeneration with medication...
Start looking around, instead of saying nonsense.
She ran instead of getting help.
Aneurysm must've leaked instead of burst.
You insulted him instead of apologizing.
Chamber instead of a full orchestra.
Find yourself a girlfriend instead of painting these awful things.
Not if someone's there instead of him.
Khanh, instead of blubbering... reason with her.
It became about the game instead of me.
Arvid, try doing something surprising instead of standing there lying to me.
He'd better given me a hand instead of crying.
So instead of hoping an emergency I prefer to have reserves.
Maybe if I'd met you instead of her...
They'll meet twice instead of three times.
But instead of becoming a pilot they put me in the kitchen.
I defied him, instead of deifying him.
Maybe if you paid attention instead of reading.
Get me a Manhattan Special instead of the Coke.

Alternatives:

in place of
rather than
as an alternative to
as opposed to
in lieu of

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It is used to express surprise or disbelief at someone's actions.

"instead of you to"

This phrase is used to express surprise or disbelief at someone's actions, suggesting that the action taken was unexpected or contrary to what was anticipated.

Examples:

Instead of you to apologize, you blamed me for everything.
Instead of you to help, you just stood there and watched.
Instead of you to be grateful, you complained about the gift.
Instead of you to listen, you interrupted me.
Instead of you to admit your mistake, you tried to cover it up.

Show examples from the web [+]

and instead of subjecting you to my deterioration,
So he comes here, instead of you going to his place.
I should have enlisted you in the army instead of freeing you to fail as a farmer.
Wise to deliver video to you instead of to the authorities.
I totally should've told you before instead of lying to you about it.
Instead of talking to you, he confides in this bloke that you don't like.
They proved it when they brought you along... instead of leaving you there to take the blame for their escape.
But on the eve of your defeat, instead of surrendering, You chose to raze our planet.
I came to you instead of going to P.I.B. And filing a formal complaint against your officers.
Maybe instead of you trying to take care of me, we agree to take care of each other.
Dear Emma and Jane, my loves. I have a terminal illness and instead of subjecting you to my deterioration,
Why don't I drop back by, instead of you trying to find me, if that's all right?
Dog: Instead of hooking you up to the machine
I think I wasted a lot of time doing various things instead of listening to you.
Look, I know you're upset and frustrated that your friend is going through something and he ran off instead of turning to you for help.
Instead of talking to you, he confides in this bloke that you don't like.
Honestly, instead of you, I want to be the one that's comforted.
And I thought that instead of trying to find you, it'd be easier to just stay close to Emily and hope you showed up.
Instead of me sending you down to SHU, I want you to come and visit me once a week.
I should've helped you instead of trying to take advantage of you not knowing what you were.

Alternatives:

you should have
you were expected to
you were supposed to
you were meant to
you were anticipated to

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instead of vs instead of you to

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