instead of flying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instead of flying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate an alternative action or method that replaces flying, often in the context of travel or transportation choices. Example: "Instead of flying to New York, we decided to take the train for a more scenic journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Instead of flying, it walked.

The New Yorker

We use it instead of flying.

The New York Times

A case in point: driving long distances instead of flying.

The New York Times - Health

Instead of flying wherever I was going, I flew home.

The New York Times

Instead of flying to Paris or San Francisco, the airline's new international destination was Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The New York Times

Instead of flying off immediately, the message stays put until the designated date and time.

The New York Times

But instead of flying as planned from Amman, Jordan, to Damascus, Mr. Arafat returned here.

The New York Times

Instead of flying, we wanted to arrive by rail and boat.

The New York Times - Travel

Lingering concerns about safety mean that more people will be driving instead of flying on business.

The New York Times

Instead of flying saucers, they caught a glimpse of the northern lights.

The Guardian - Arts

Instead of flying past Friedel in the top left-hand corner, the ball dribbles harmlessly away.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To highlight a cost-saving measure, use "instead of flying" to preface a less expensive option, such as videoconferencing for business meetings.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "instead of flying, opting to drive", as they create redundancy. Simply stating "instead of flying, we drove" is more concise and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instead of flying" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, introducing an alternative action to taking a flight. Ludwig AI indicates its role in presenting alternative options. This is evident from examples where it replaces flying with driving, teleconferencing, or other activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instead of flying" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to present alternatives to air travel. It appears frequently in news and media contexts, indicating choices related to transportation or actions that replace flying. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Common alternatives include "rather than flying" and "in lieu of flying", each with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, avoid redundancy by keeping sentences concise. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for various writing styles. It's a useful tool for discussing travel decisions, cost-saving measures, and environmental considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather than flying

Replaces "instead of" with "rather than", maintaining the same meaning and grammatical structure.

in lieu of flying

Substitutes "instead of" with the more formal "in lieu of", offering a slightly elevated tone.

as opposed to flying

Uses "as opposed to" to present a contrasting option to flying.

forgoing air travel

Uses "forgoing" to mean giving up or abstaining from air travel.

avoiding air travel

Focuses on the act of avoiding flying, rather than directly replacing it with an alternative.

opting for ground transportation

Highlights using methods like driving or train travel to reach a destination.

taking alternative transportation

Broadens the scope to any form of transportation that isn't flying, offering a more general alternative.

choosing not to fly

Directly states a decision against flying, without necessarily implying an alternative.

using trains instead

Specifies trains as a direct alternative to air travel.

traveling by road

Indicates travel by car, bus, or other road-based vehicle, as an alternative to flying.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "in lieu of flying" or "as opposed to flying". These alternatives offer a slightly elevated style while retaining the original meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "rather than flying" instead of "instead of flying"?

"Rather than flying" and "instead of flying" are often interchangeable. However, "rather than flying" can sometimes emphasize preference, while "instead of flying" may simply indicate a replacement action.

What are some creative alternatives to "instead of flying" when describing travel?

To add flair, try "opting for ground transportation" or "forgoing air travel". These options provide a more descriptive and engaging way to express the concept.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "instead of flying"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "instead of flying". For example: "Instead of flying to the conference, we decided to hold it virtually".