instead of him

USAGE SUMMARY

"instead of him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that one person or thing is doing or experiencing something instead of another person or thing. For example: "Since Bob was away, his brother had to take care of the dog instead of him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are born knowing God and hearing His voice, but we forget and grow deaf as we "learn" from men instead of Him.

WikiHow

"I was the one complaining instead of him.

The New York Times - Sports

But three teammates were promoted instead of him.

The New York Times

So now they have me instead of him.

The Guardian

The Pakistan bowlers began to come to him instead of him chasing the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

He decided to make sculpture, especially mechanised figures that could 'perform' instead of him.

The Guardian

"I didn't understand why did she ask me to go instead of him," Alper says.

The New Yorker

Behold, A ram, caught in a thicket by its horns; Offer the Ram of Pride instead of him.

The Guardian

First, model Marcello politely asked users to tweet their hatred to their intended target instead of him.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a Jewish saying that if you don't burn the demon, maybe you die instead of him.

The Guardian - Music

I'm going to comfort Jesus instead of him comforting me.'" Staples has never got big for her boots.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instead of him", ensure the pronoun clearly refers to a specific person previously mentioned in the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "instead of he". The correct form is "instead of him" because "instead of" is a preposition, and it requires the objective pronoun case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instead of him" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating a substitution or preference. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

12%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instead of him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that conveys substitution or preference. As Ludwig AI points out, it is deemed correct and versatile across different writing styles. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its register remains neutral, making it suitable for both informal and formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clear pronoun reference and avoid the common error of using the subjective pronoun case (he) where the objective case (him) is required. Consider related alternatives like "in his place" or "rather than him" to enrich your writing. This information should make you more confident in using the expression "instead of him" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather than him

This option is a more direct synonym, highlighting a preference or choice against "him".

as a substitute for him

This option directly indicates that someone is serving as a replacement or stand-in.

in his place

This alternative emphasizes the concept of one person taking the position or role of another.

in preference to him

This denotes a clear preference for someone or something else over "him".

as opposed to him

This phrase emphasizes a contrast or opposition between the two subjects.

not him but another

Highlights replacement.

in lieu of him

This option is more formal and suggests a legal or official substitution.

taking his stead

This phrase implies taking over responsibilities from "him".

not him but someone else

This emphasizes that someone else should be chosen.

alternatively, him

This option explicitly suggests an alternative choice.

FAQs

How do I use "instead of him" in a sentence?

Use "instead of him" to indicate that someone or something else is doing something in place of a male person. For example: "They chose her "instead of him" for the job".

What's the difference between "instead of him" and "instead of he"?

"Instead of him" is grammatically correct because "instead of" is a preposition requiring an object pronoun. "Instead of he" is incorrect. The correct way is: "They chose her "instead of him"".

What can I say instead of "instead of him"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in his place", "rather than him", or "in lieu of him", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "instead of him" in formal writing?

Yes, "instead of him" is appropriate in formal writing. However, consider whether a more formal alternative, such as "in lieu of him", might be more suitable.