instead please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instead please" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to politely indicate that you would prefer one action or course of action instead of another. For example, "Please don't call me; instead, please send me an email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

No flowers instead, please make contributions to a charity close to your heart.

The New York Times

The second series might improve, but we'd rather see Sharon Horgan's Pulling instead, please.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Updated at 2.04am GMT 2.01am GMT AlisonW (@AlisonW) Enough with the "pitcher's duel", could we have a runfest instead please?

The Guardian - Sport

As of July 23 , 2015 we no longer accept submissions via mail or e-mail; instead, please upload your work via Submittable.

The New Yorker

Instead, please contact the IT Help Desk for guidance.

TechCrunch

Instead please e-mail a copy of your advertisement to [email protected] or contact a Science Careers representative to assist you in placing your order.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Australian Tamil Congress national spokesperson Sam Pari said "it is disappointing that rather than upholding human rights, Abbott chose instead to please the Sri Lankan president who failed to protect and promote international human rights law and international humanitarian law".

The Guardian

The concerto he produced instead will please anyone searching for a work with the Romantic richness and sweep of the Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms and Dvorak concertos.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, observers (please don't look directly at the Sun) will see just a tiny black dot move across the face of our nearest star.

BBC

I've fantasised a version of som tam, with crumbled, crisped haggis instead of dried shrimp (yes, please); instead, we get two hefty discs of the fried pudding, refugees from a full Scottish, dusted with chilli and served with a dod of salad and a puddle of chutney; it's slapped on the plate like an insult, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

NBC was mocked for holding sack races instead of pilots, and for focusing on deals with advertisers instead of pleasing the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instead please", ensure it follows a statement or request that it is meant to replace. This provides clear context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "instead please" in contexts where a direct request is more appropriate. Overusing it can sound passive-aggressive or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instead please" functions as an adverbial phrase used to politely suggest an alternative action or preference. Ludwig examples show it commonly follows a statement indicating what is not desired, offering a substitute with a higher degree of politeness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instead please" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to politely suggest an alternative. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly when indicating a preferred action over another. With examples primarily found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral to informal register. Remember to use "instead please" to follow a statement for clarity, and avoid overuse to prevent sounding passive-aggressive. Exploring alternatives like "alternatively please" or "rather please" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alternatively please

Directly offers an alternative option.

rather please

A more concise way to express preference.

as an alternative please

Clearly indicates a substitute choice.

please use instead

Directly instructs to use an alternative.

instead if you would

Adds a polite condition to the preference.

please choose instead

Encourages selection of an alternative.

in place of that, please

Replaces a previous option with a polite suggestion.

please consider instead

Suggests a thoughtful alternative.

if you could please

Emphasizes the politeness of the request.

instead, I would prefer

Expresses a personal preference politely.

FAQs

How do I use "instead please" in a sentence?

Use "instead please" to politely suggest an alternative action or choice. For example, "Don't call me, "email me instead" please."

What's a more formal alternative to "instead please"?

A more formal alternative could be "alternatively, I would appreciate it if you would..." or "please consider... instead".

Is it correct to say "please instead"?

While understandable, "instead please" is the more common and grammatically preferred order. Saying "please instead" might sound awkward to some native English speakers.

Can "instead please" be used in negative requests?

Yes, it can. For example, "Please don't send that email; "call me instead" please".