opt for instead of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opt for instead of" is not correct as it is missing a conjunction or preposition to connect the two options being compared.
You can use it when you want to express a choice between two alternatives, but it needs to be rephrased for clarity. Example: "I decided to opt for tea instead of coffee."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Yankees are faced with finalizing sponsorship deals for various sections of the park, the tactic they opted for instead of a full-stadium naming-rights deal (across town, the Mets were fortunate to lock in a 20-year, $400 million naming rights deal with megabank Citi for their new park before all the bad financial paper hit the fan).

Forbes

Or they might opt for Africa instead of South America, to take advantage of the assistance offered by organisations like SmartXchange in Durban.

The Guardian

According to Wolbert-Haverkamp and Mußhoff, German farmers need an additional trigger of 270 342€ ha−1 a−1 to opt for SRC instead of annual cropping.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Retailers and restaurants have been hit by a downturn in consumer spending, but the number of actual credit card transactions keeps rising as Americans opt for plastic instead of cash.

Forbes

If you opt for Portugal instead of Spain, omit the chickpeas and add a dozen littleneck clams.

The New York Times - Food

It's so good, you might want to opt for that instead of your surround system, but more on that below.

TechCrunch

Opt for mindfulness instead of multitasking.

WikiHow

Opt for studs instead of long, dangling earrings.

WikiHow

If you want, opt for leggings instead of jeans.

WikiHow

As far as eyeliner goes, get a few colors to match the eyeshadow you chose and opt for those instead of black.

WikiHow

Henry H. Harteveldt, travel analyst with Forrester Research in San Francisco, suggested opting for apartments instead of hotels for stays over four days or for small groups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a preference, ensure your sentence includes a conjunction or preposition to properly connect the options. A correct sentence would be: "Opt for tea instead of coffee."

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "opt for instead of" without a clear connector. This creates a grammatically incomplete structure. Always include the objects of comparison: "Opt for option A instead of option B."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opt for instead of" functions as a comparative conjunction, aiming to express a preference or choice between two options. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's often used incorrectly by missing an explicit element of comparison.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opt for instead of" attempts to convey a choice between alternatives. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is often grammatically incomplete, requiring a conjunction or preposition for correctness. While alternatives like "choose instead of" or "prefer over" can offer clearer and more direct ways to express preference, ensuring grammatical accuracy is key. The phrase's register is generally neutral, but its usage spans from formal to informal contexts, depending on the source. Due to its grammatical issues, careful attention should be paid to constructing sentences that clearly and correctly express the intended comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose instead of

This alternative replaces "opt for" with the simpler and more direct "choose", maintaining the core meaning.

select rather than

Using "select" provides a slightly more formal tone than "choose" or "opt for", while "rather than" is a common substitute for "instead of".

prefer over

This option uses "prefer" to indicate a stronger inclination towards one choice, simplifying the comparative structure.

go with instead of

This is an informal alternative, replacing "opt for" with "go with" for a more casual tone.

favor over

"Favor" implies a more deliberate decision, suggesting a reasoned preference.

pick instead of

"Pick" is a simpler and more direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

decide on instead of

This alternative emphasizes the decision-making aspect of choosing.

take instead of

Using "take" simplifies the phrase and is suitable for situations where the choice involves acquiring something.

opt to use rather than

This alternative replaces "instead of" by "rather than" while adding the verb "use" after "opt to".

opt for X as opposed to Y

Adding "as opposed to" emphasizes the contrast between the choices.

FAQs

How can I properly use "opt for instead of" in a sentence?

The phrase "opt for instead of" requires a connector to be grammatically correct. A better construction would be "opt for X instead of Y", like "I decided to opt for tea instead of coffee."

What is a simple substitute for "opt for instead of"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "choose instead of" or "prefer over" to convey the same meaning more directly.

Which is the correct way to express a preference: "opt for instead of" or "opt for... instead of"?

The correct way is to say "opt for X instead of Y". For example, "She "opted for rehabilitation instead of" surgery."

What's the difference between "opt for" and "choose"?

"Opt for" implies a more deliberate or considered decision than simply "choose". While often interchangeable, "opt for" suggests weighing options before deciding. Using "choose instead of" can simplify your sentence while maintaining clarity.