instead of doing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instead of doing that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest an alternative action or approach to something that has been proposed or is being considered. Example: "Instead of doing that, we could focus on improving our current strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But, instead of doing that, he actually seized the opportunity.

The New Yorker

Instead of doing that, I sent Charlie some questions about writing them.

The New Yorker

Instead of doing that, or anything like it, we are actively punishing the victims.

The New Yorker

Instead of doing that, he moved swiftly on to another, less taxing subject.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of doing that, though, he's immediately gone back to attacking Democrats and sounding like a crazy person.

The New Yorker

Instead of doing that, Time Warner and EMI surprised the regulators by offering concessions that went far beyond early proposals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

We are using a chemical straitjacket instead of doing things that are just as important to also do, sometimes more".

The New York Times - Health

"Instead of doing something that has very large numbers, we think high-quality communication to a very select number has been very successful for us," she said.

The New York Times

Instead of doing like that, a better way to get more accuracy is by a conventional iterative method such as fixed point.

Advances in Difference Equations

It’s not just the cost of the FBI agents running around chasing dead-end leads instead of doing things that might actually make us safer, but also the cost in civil liberties.

Forbes

If you are required to perform a talent, do something you feel comfortable with, instead of doing something that will get the judges attention.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instead of doing that", ensure the alternative action is clearly stated or implied within the context to avoid ambiguity. Make sure that the pronoun "that" has a clear reference.

Common error

Avoid using "instead of doing that" when the context doesn't clearly define what "that" refers to. Ensure the preceding sentence or paragraph provides a clear action or situation that the phrase is meant to replace, otherwise the sentence will become confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instead of doing that" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause. It introduces an alternative action or state, indicating a substitution or preference. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instead of doing that" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce an alternative action or suggestion. As per Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. While it’s versatile, ensure the context clearly defines what "that" refers to, and consider more formal alternatives like "in lieu of doing that" for professional settings. Predominantly found in news and media, "instead of doing that" serves to propose changes, correct assumptions, or suggest better options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather than doing that

Emphasizes a preference or substitution of one action over another.

in place of doing that

Indicates that one action is being substituted by another.

in lieu of doing that

A more formal way of saying "instead of doing that", indicating a substitution.

as an alternative to doing that

Explicitly presents the action as one of several possibilities.

as opposed to doing that

Highlights a contrast between two actions, with a slight emphasis on opposition.

rather than proceed that way

Suggests an alternate approach to a previously considered path or method.

it would be better to do this

Introduces another action which contrasts the former and is deemed superior.

instead, try this approach

Offers a more direct and imperative suggestion.

a different course of action is preferable

States a preference for an unmentioned action which directly contradicts the first.

a better plan would be to do something else

Proposes a different plan which contrasts the first and is deemed superior.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "in lieu of doing that" or "as opposed to doing that". These options provide a more elevated and professional tone.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the alternative after using "instead of doing that"?

While not always necessary, it's best practice to ensure the alternative is either explicitly stated or strongly implied by the context. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

What's the difference between "instead of doing that" and "rather than doing that"?

The phrases "instead of doing that" and "rather than doing that" are largely interchangeable. However, "rather than doing that" can sometimes imply a stronger preference or contrast.

Can I use "instead of doing that" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "instead of doing that" can sometimes sound awkward. Consider rephrasing the sentence for better flow, or placing the phrase mid-sentence for a smoother read.