instead of it

USAGE SUMMARY

"instead of it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate an alternative to something already stated. For example: "I was going to eat dinner at the restaurant, but instead of it, I decided to cook at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Anglund's version, the line says "he" instead of "it".

The Guardian - Business

At the same time, domain scientists want to focus on their science instead of IT.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Then it becomes more of a business decision instead of IT being a cost center.

Forbes

She would confuse her letters sometimes and would say, "it is bunny outside" instead of "it is sunny outside".

Huffington Post

But instead of it being water, it is now space.

Cornell University

"And normalise that instead of it being a rarity.

Independent

Instead of it being on a TV, you'll probably have heads-up VR/AR displays.

Yale University

"Instead of it being a Treasury-informed defense review, it is, by most accounts, Treasury-led.

The New York Times

This is in addition to the information required on the Fafsa, not instead of it.

The New York Times

"Instead of it being the libertarian party of common sense, I've been banned from speaking.

Independent

Instead of it just being in certain times, now we've put a complete stop on it".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instead of it" to clearly indicate a replacement or alternative. Ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "instead of it" when the referent of "it" is unclear or distant in the text. This can confuse the reader and weaken your argument. Make sure the antecedent is immediately obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instead of it" functions as a prepositional phrase, acting as an adverbial modifier. It introduces an alternative or replacement to a previously mentioned action, object, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a valid and commonly used construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instead of it" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to present an alternative to something already mentioned. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and utility. While its register is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, more formal options exist. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. It is frequently seen in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic writing. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian employ it regularly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to replace it

Directly states the action of replacing something.

rather than it

Emphasizes preference for one option over another; slightly more formal.

in place of it

Highlights the substitution aspect, suggesting a direct replacement.

as an alternative to it

Explicitly states that the phrase introduces an alternative.

as a substitute for it

Highlights the role of the alternative as a replacement.

alternatively

A concise adverb indicating another possibility or option.

as opposed to it

Emphasizes a contrast between two options.

in lieu of it

A more formal way to indicate something is being offered or done as a substitute.

by way of replacement

Suggests an action that replaces something.

on behalf of it

Indicates acting in the place of something or someone, often implying representation.

FAQs

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

Use "instead of it" to present an alternative to something previously mentioned. For example, "I was going to take the train, but "instead of it", I drove my car".

What's a more formal alternative to "instead of it"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "in lieu of it" or "in place of it".

Is it ever incorrect to use "instead of it"?

While grammatically correct, "instead of it" can be clunky if the referent of "it" is unclear. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to for clarity.

How does "instead of it" differ from "rather than"?

"Instead of it" directly replaces something already mentioned, whereas "rather than" often expresses a preference or avoidance. For example, "I chose this rather than that" implies a choice based on preference.