instead of what

USAGE SUMMARY

"instead of what" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a prepositional phrase that is used to express a choice or alternative to something else. Example: "I will have a salad instead of what I usually order, which is a sandwich."

✓ Grammatically correct

General writing

Conversational English

Academic discourse

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ISAAC: Instead of what?

The New Yorker

Instead of what they can bench.

The Guardian

You think instead of what it could be.

The New York Times

Sometimes we focus too much on what we don't have instead of what we do have.

University of California, Berkeley

Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack.

Harvard University

<module> — same, but reset to the given module instead of what it previously used.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One interpretation is to focus on what you have, instead of what you do not.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, you get to do what you want instead of what somebody else wants.

The Economist

Now I'm having to learn to trust what the mirrors show instead of what they don't.

The New York Times

They recoil when online grocers deliver "substitutions" instead of what they ordered.

The Economist

There's more focus on what you can do instead of what you can't.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instead of what" to clearly indicate a preference or substitution when presenting alternatives. Make sure the context provides a clear understanding of the options being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "instead of what" when there is no clear point of comparison. Ensure that the 'what' being replaced is explicitly stated or easily understood from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instead of what" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an alternative or substitution. It typically modifies a verb or clause, indicating that something else is being chosen or considered. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it highlights a contrast or preference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instead of what" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce an alternative or substitution. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While its tone is generally neutral, it's crucial to provide a clear point of comparison for effective communication. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can use this phrase with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather than what

This phrase emphasizes a preference, shifting the focus slightly from direct substitution.

replacing what

This phrase is a shortened and direct way to talk about substitution.

in place of what

This phrase highlights the act of replacing something with something else.

as opposed to what

This phrase introduces a contrast, emphasizing the difference between the options.

contrary to what

This phrase emphasizes a contradiction with a previous statement or expectation.

in lieu of what

This phrase offers a more formal way to express substitution, often used in legal or official contexts.

to the exclusion of what

This phrase stresses that something is being left out, implying a deliberate choice.

as a substitute for what

This phrase explicitly states that one thing is being used to replace another.

in exchange for what

This phrase indicates a reciprocal exchange, where something is given up for something else.

by way of what

This phrase suggests that something is being done or used as a means to an end.

FAQs

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

Use "instead of what" to present a choice or substitution. For example, "I chose this "instead of that"" indicates a preference.

What's a more formal way to say "instead of what"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "in lieu of what" or "as opposed to what", depending on the context.

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

While similar, "rather than what" often emphasizes preference more strongly than "instead of what", which is a more neutral substitution.

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

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "instead of what" can sound awkward. It's often better to restructure the sentence for clarity and flow.