instead to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"instead to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a different course of action that should be taken instead of the one mentioned previously. For example: "He was planning to attend the meeting, but decided instead to do some research on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They've been finely engineered, instead, to do.

Harvard Business Review

But I went to Kent University instead to do a four-year course in drama and theatre.

The Guardian

The "deep structural problems in the British economy", he suggested, were instead to do with a "shortage of specialised skills".

The Guardian

Given the difficulty of foreseeing how economic and other conditions will change, try instead to do short-term deals that will allow natural breaks for renegotiation.

Harvard University

So he applied instead to do graduate work in Picard's Affective Computing Group, which specifically investigates the intersection of computing technologies and human emotions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So instead of passively surfing online or on social media, which we almost invariably do alone, opt instead to do something that involves the active participation of others.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

I instead applied to do an Art Foundation at Camberwell College of Art.

The Guardian

Instead, start to do them — in effect, "act" them.

Harvard Business Review

The explanation could instead be to do with how northern elites used oil revenue.

The Economist

We are instead told to do mainstream school harder, better and longer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, try to do something nice for them.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instead to do", ensure the sentence clearly establishes the original plan or intention that is being replaced. This provides context and makes the substitution more understandable for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "instead to do" when there isn't a clear alternative action being presented. Without a defined contrast, the phrase loses its purpose and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instead to do" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a substitution or alternative action. It modifies the verb by expressing a preference for a different course of action. Ludwig provides examples that show how "instead to do" connects a change of plans or a shift in intention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instead to do" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a substitution of one action for another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase expressing a change of plans or a preferred alternative. Predominantly found in news and media, academic writing, and science contexts, this expression is best used when clearly contrasting two actions. To enhance clarity, always ensure the original plan is well-established before introducing the substitution. While generally accepted, remember that providing clear context will ensure effective communication using "instead to do".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather than doing

Focuses on avoiding a specific action by choosing another.

as opposed to doing

Highlights the contrast between two actions.

in place of doing

Emphasizes the substitution of one action for another.

alternatively doing

Presents a different option for action.

on the other hand doing

Introduces a contrasting action.

as a substitute for doing

Clearly indicates replacing an action with another.

by way of replacement doing

Formally suggests a replacement strategy.

in lieu of doing

Offers a formal alternative to a specific action.

rather doing

A more concise way to express preference, suitable for informal contexts.

to do something different

Suggests a shift to a completely new action.

FAQs

How can I use "instead to do" in a sentence?

Use "instead to do" to indicate a change of plans or a preference for an alternative action. For example, "She planned to go to the party, but decided "instead to do" some work".

What are some alternatives to "instead to do"?

You can use alternatives like "rather than doing", "as opposed to doing", or "in place of doing" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "instead to do"?

Yes, "instead to do" is grammatically correct. It is used to express a preference for a different course of action than one previously considered or mentioned, which is supported by Ludwig AI and example sentences.

What is the difference between "instead of doing" and "instead to do"?

"Instead of doing" is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), while "instead to do" is followed by the base form of the verb. Both express alternatives, but they differ structurally. For example: Instead of going to the gym, he decided to go for a run. Or, He planned to go to the gym, but decided "instead to do" some work.