even instead of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even instead of" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used when emphasizing a choice or preference that is contrary to what might be expected, but it is better to use it with caution and ensure clarity in context. Example: "She decided to go for a walk, even instead of finishing her work."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

And they are ready to pay any price, even instead of future development," he said.

The New York Times

Since the budget has remained €5m ($5.4m), La Fenice now breaks even instead of losing money.

The Economist

Both men unequivocally supported rigorous congressional oversight apart from — or perhaps even instead of — a counsel investigation.

The Washington Post

Specifically, there is divergence regarding the extent to which judicial panels were influenced by non-legal considerations in addition to, or even instead of, questions of law.

Stanford University

It's hardly the first time that police gunfire struck bystanders, as well as or even instead of the officers' actual target.

The New York Times

Also, many millennials prefer to listen to up-and-coming bands along with — or even instead of -- "top talent," she added.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Harvard Business School professor Pankaj Ghemawat says that the most successful companies employ five types of regional strategies in addition to--or even instead of--global ones: home base, portfolio, hub, platform, and mandate.

Harvard Business Review

That has led some doctors to have "non-dippers" take their blood pressure medication in the evening instead of in the morning.

The Washington Post

Orbitz served up essentially the same package as its "best value" with a different JetBlue flight leaving New York in the evening instead of the morning for $72 more than Travelocity.

The New York Times - Travel

I need something to motivate me get out of bed in the morning when I don't want to, and to go out to swim in the evening instead of moping.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

ATHENS GAMES MARATHONS WILL BE IN EVENING: The 2004 Olympic marathons will be run in the evening instead of the morning, track and field's ruling body, the International Association of Athletics Federations, decided yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. "Even instead of" can sometimes sound slightly informal or conversational, so evaluate if it fits the overall style and purpose of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "even instead of" in every situation where a substitution occurs. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Use simpler alternatives like "instead of" or "rather than" when the emphasis isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even instead of" functions as a conjunction, connecting two alternatives while emphasizing the unexpected or surprising nature of the chosen option. Ludwig examples show it often highlights a preference against expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even instead of" serves to highlight an unexpected substitution or preference. While grammatically acceptable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to use it judiciously, as simpler alternatives like "instead of" or "rather than" may often be more appropriate and less verbose. The phrase sees common usage in news, science and academic contexts. Remember to prioritize clarity and conciseness in your writing by considering the necessity of emphasizing the unexpected element before employing "even instead of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even rather than

Emphasizes preference, suggesting a choice between two options where one is surprisingly favored.

even in place of

Highlights the act of replacing one thing with another, often unexpectedly.

even as opposed to

Draws a direct contrast between two options, with emphasis on the unexpected choice.

even to the exclusion of

Indicates that one thing is chosen so completely that the other is not considered at all.

even bypassing

Suggests skipping or omitting one thing in favor of another, implying a more direct route.

even negating

Highlights that the replacement completely cancels out the original option.

even overriding

Implies a stronger choice, where the selected option takes precedence over the other.

even foregoing

Suggests a deliberate decision to do without one thing, emphasizing the sacrifice.

even discarding

Highlights the act of getting rid of one option in favor of a different one.

even foregoing instead

Expresses the meaning in a more verbose way.

FAQs

How can I use "even instead of" in a sentence?

Use "even instead of" to emphasize an unexpected replacement or preference. For example, "She chose to read a book, "even instead of" watching TV."

What's a more concise way to say "even instead of"?

Alternatives include "instead of", "rather than", or "in place of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "even instead of" and "even rather than"?

While both phrases indicate a preference or substitution, "even rather than" often implies a clearer contrast or stronger preference than "even instead of". Consider the nuance you wish to convey when choosing between them.

When is it better to use "instead of" over "even instead of"?

Use "instead of" when the substitution is straightforward and doesn't require extra emphasis on the unexpected nature of the choice. Save "even instead of" for situations where the replacement is surprising or noteworthy.