prefer instead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prefer instead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or preference for one option over another. Example: "I prefer instead to focus on quality rather than quantity in my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Election-watchers prefer instead to divine trends, poll by poll.

The Economist

Dresdner bosses prefer instead to talk of building a solid base at home.

The Economist

They prefer instead to send and receive traffic with larger international Internet service providers.

The New York Times

I prefer instead the stoic, tough-facedness of the men and women in photos from a hundred years ago.

The Guardian

The authors of this report, however, prefer instead to rely on the orderly liquidation authority, including the proposed "single point of entry" for bank-holding companies.

The New York Times

They prefer, instead, to focus on measures like core inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food prices and which has remained fairly quiescent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

None agreed, preferring instead to issue statements.

The Guardian

She prefers instead to watch Ghanaian films in local languages.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He shunned toys and stuffed animals, preferring instead to surround himself with books.

The New York Times - Books

Contador had not raced since late April, preferring instead to train in defense of his Tour title.

The New York Times - Sports

Pittsburgh will not re-sign forward Bill Guerin, preferring instead to give several youngsters a chance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prefer instead" to clearly indicate a conscious choice between alternatives, adding emphasis to the selection. For example: "They didn't choose the obvious path; they "prefer instead" to forge their own way."

Common error

Avoid redundancy by ensuring that the context justifies the use of "instead". If the preference is already clear, simply using "prefer" can be more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prefer instead" functions as a verb phrase used to express a choice or preference for one option over another. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prefer instead" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a preference for one option over another. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase functions to clearly state a choice or substitution. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and general writing, although it is more common in neutral and formal settings. While alternatives such as "would rather" or "choose to" exist, "prefer instead" provides a specific emphasis on the replacement of one option with another. When writing, ensure that the context justifies the use of "instead" to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would rather

Indicates a preference using a more common and slightly less formal construction.

choose to

Emphasizes a deliberate decision to select one option over others.

favor

A shorter, more direct synonym expressing a preference.

lean towards

Suggests a tendency to prefer one option, implying a lack of strong commitment.

opt for

Highlights the act of selecting a specific option.

desire more

Expresses a stronger inclination or longing for one choice.

find more appealing

Focuses on the attractiveness or desirability of one option.

have a preference for

A more formal way of stating a general preference.

rather

A concise way to express preference, often used in conjunction with "would".

prefer

The core verb of the original phrase, used without the intensifier "instead".

FAQs

How can I use "prefer instead" in a sentence?

Use "prefer instead" to express a choice for one thing over another. For example, "I don't like coffee, I "prefer instead" tea."

What is a more formal way to say "prefer instead"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "have a preference for" or "would rather". For example, "I "have a preference for" classical music" or "I "would rather" read a book than watch television."

Is it redundant to use "prefer instead"?

While not strictly redundant, the word "instead" can sometimes be implied. Consider whether "prefer" alone sufficiently conveys your meaning before adding "instead".

What's the difference between "prefer" and "prefer instead"?

"Prefer" simply indicates a liking for one thing more than another. "Prefer instead" emphasizes the choice and replacement of one option with another. For example, "I "prefer" apples" vs. "I don't like oranges, I "prefer instead" apples".