do that instead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do that instead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting an alternative action or choice to someone. Example: "If you find the first method too complicated, you can do that instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Let's do that instead".

The New Yorker

Do that, instead!

Huffington Post

"Can you believe he didn't do this?" and "Why in God's name did he do THAT?" Instead of building up his ego, I trampled all over it.

HuffPost

So why lose the tiger when you can do that instead?

Yale University

"If there is anything else you would like to do in the world, do that instead".

The New York Times

A one-off show can't do that; instead, it acts as an encore, a retrospective.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But it hasn't done that, instead opting to use it to move iTunes content.

TechCrunch

I wish we could all do that... instead of hitting a brick wall and breaking down crying, chefs say, "Huh.

Huffington Post

He'll just try to do that privately, instead of embarrassing someone publicly.

Los Angeles Times

They're doing that instead".

The New York Times

But they are doing that instead of paying property taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do that instead" when you want to clearly suggest an alternative action, especially when the context already implies a previous action or plan.

Common error

Ensure the "that" in "do that instead" clearly refers to a previously mentioned action or option to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do that instead" functions primarily as an imperative, suggesting an alternative action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It is used to redirect someone's course of action, implying that the suggested action is preferable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do that instead" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to suggest an alternative action. Ludwig AI validates its usability and provides numerous examples across various domains. It functions as an imperative, aiming to guide or influence a decision by presenting a different option. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for different contexts, with primary usage in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the "that" clearly refers to a previously mentioned action to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "opt for that alternative".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opt for that alternative

Replaces "do" with "opt for" and "instead" with "alternative", emphasizing choice.

choose that option instead

Substitutes "do" with "choose" and "that" with "option", making the suggestion more direct.

go with that choice instead

Replaces "do" with "go with" and "that" with "choice", focusing on selection.

select that option

Directly suggests selecting a different option.

try a different approach

Offers a more general suggestion to change the method.

use a different method

Recommends using an alternative method or technique.

take an alternate route

Emphasizes changing the path or method to achieve a goal.

try this approach

Suggests trying a specific, different approach.

reconsider your course of action

More formal way to suggest stopping the ongoing action and reflecting on better option.

adopt an alternative strategy

Highlights changing the overall plan or strategy.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do that instead" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "opt for that alternative" or "select that option". These options offer a more polished and professional sound.

What's a simpler way to say "do that instead"?

A simpler alternative is "try this". This conveys the suggestion in a more direct and concise manner.

When is it appropriate to use "do that instead"?

"Do that instead" is appropriate when you're suggesting a clear alternative to a previously mentioned action or plan. It's useful in situations where you want to offer a better or more suitable option.

Is "doing that instead" grammatically correct?

Yes, "doing that instead" is grammatically correct. It's the present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing action or a continuous choice. However, "do that instead" serves as a more general suggestion.