not either but instead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not either but instead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify a choice or preference, indicating that the speaker is rejecting two options in favor of a different one. Example: "I don't want to go to the movies or the park; I want to stay home, not either but instead enjoy a quiet evening with a book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Note that this is not timed either, but instead gives points for how close you land to the target.

WikiHow

Her hair wasn't coiffed either, but instead knotted in an old-maidish bun.

Huffington Post

It is not a zebra either, but instead of being promoted to more rarefied taxonomic heights as was the case for Z581, the second zebra faced demotion to donkey.

The Guardian

He is not quite a No10, and not a false nine either, but instead bears comparison in his approach to the man who came before him at Juventus, Carlos Tevez.

The Guardian - Sport

Not a charismatic outlaw pursuit either, but instead a kind of dunder-headed yobs' circus, to be laughed at and not with – albeit only at those moments when it wasn't bull-necking its way around your town centre throwing darts at pensioners and conscientiously rioting in Wimpy.

The Guardian - Sport

They're not actually real just yet either, but instead are floating around in the concept stage waiting for an investor.

Vice

"Ringu" doesn't make a great deal of sense either, but instead has a swift ruthlessness that borders on cruelty.

The New York Times

Both statutes, however, gave him the option of a special election — where he could say he was not choosing either statute, but instead satisfying both.

The New York Times

This result suggests that the inheritance of these seven resistance QTL is not completely dominant, but instead either additive or recessive.

BMC Plant Biology

However, the highest-degree nodes are not drivers but instead tend to be either essential for normal growth or widely active regulators that partner with RNA polymerases and are involved in housekeeping processes.

BMC Systems Biology

The gravity of it all means our mind's eye isn't drawn to the highs either side, but instead to the clash with Keown, and later to the insensitivity towards Cristiano Ronaldo which precipitated his Old Trafford exit.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not either but instead", ensure that the contrasting elements are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. It helps to strengthen the clarity of your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "not either but instead" when more than two options are available. This phrase is specifically designed for situations where you're negating two options and presenting a singular alternative. Using it for more than two options can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not either but instead" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting two negated options with a preferred alternative. As Ludwig indicates, it clarifies a choice or preference by rejecting the initial options.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not either but instead" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, generally employed to clearly indicate a preference or alternative following the rejection of two other options. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is effective in clarifying choices. While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral tone appropriate for various communication styles. Remember to use this phrase when precisely contrasting two rejected options with a single, preferred alternative. It's more common to see this phrase when emphasis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neither... nor... but instead

Explicitly uses "neither... nor..." to reject two options before introducing the alternative.

instead of either

Directly replaces the rejected options with a preferred one.

in place of either

Suggests a substitution of the original options.

rather than either

Focuses on preference, making it a clearer alternative to two initial options.

as opposed to either

Highlights the contrast between the chosen option and the rejected ones.

rather than both

Implies a comparison and selection of one option over a pair.

not this nor that, but rather

Emphasizes the rejection of two options in favor of a third.

not one nor the other, but

More emphatic rejection of two distinct options.

but in lieu of both

Formally replaces both options with something different.

conversely, opting for

Introduces an opposite choice after considering two possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "not either but instead" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to show a preference for something other than two previously mentioned options. For example, "I don't want "pizza" or "pasta"; not either but instead I want "sushi"".

What are some alternatives to "not either but instead"?

Alternatives include phrases like "rather than either", "instead of either", or "neither... nor... but instead".

Is it correct to say "not either but rather"?

While grammatically similar, "not either but rather" is less common than "not either but instead". The latter is more frequently used to emphasize a preferred alternative.

When should I use "not either but instead" versus "instead of"?

"Not either but instead" is best used when you've explicitly mentioned two options you're rejecting. "Instead of" can be used more broadly without a specific prior mention of alternatives.