The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language.
The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
em vez de, ao invés de, no lugar de
Instead meanings in Portuguese
em vez de
Example:
I will go to the park instead of the mall.
Eu vou ao parque em vez de ao shopping.
She chose to study medicine instead of law.
Ela escolheu estudar medicina em vez de direito.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when presenting an alternative option or choice.
Note: Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts.
ao invés de
Example:
He decided to stay home instead of going out.
Ele decidiu ficar em casa ao invés de sair.
You should focus on your strengths instead of your weaknesses.
Você deve se concentrar em suas forças ao invés de em suas fraquezas.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Similar to 'em vez de', it's often used in contexts emphasizing contrast.
Note: Though 'ao invés de' is often used interchangeably with 'em vez de', some linguists argue that 'ao invés de' implies a contrast more strongly.
no lugar de
Example:
I’ll have tea instead of coffee.
Eu vou querer chá no lugar de café.
We used a different method instead of the usual one.
Usamos um método diferente no lugar do habitual.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when substituting one thing for another.
Note: This expression is also common and applicable in both formal and informal settings.
Instead's synonyms
rather
Used to indicate a preference or choice between two options.
Example: I would rather stay home than go out tonight.
Note: While 'instead' implies a substitution or alternative, 'rather' conveys a preference or choice.
alternatively
Introduces another possibility or choice in place of the original one.
Example: You can take the bus, or alternatively, you could walk to the station.
Note: Similar to 'instead,' 'alternatively' suggests a different option but with a focus on presenting an alternative choice.
Instead expressions, common phrases
in place of
To use or have something instead of something else.
Example: I'll have tea in place of coffee this morning.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to substituting one thing for another.
as an alternative
To suggest another option or choice instead of the original one.
Example: You can use a phone as an alternative if your computer is not working.
Note: This phrase emphasizes offering another choice or option.
rather than
Indicates a preference for one option over another.
Example: I prefer to walk rather than take the bus.
Note: This phrase highlights a clear preference for one choice over another.
in lieu of
Instead of; in place of.
Example: We decided to have a picnic in the park in lieu of going to a restaurant.
Note: This phrase is more formal and often used in written or formal contexts.
in favor of
To choose or support one option over another.
Example: I chose to stay home in favor of going out with friends.
Note: This phrase implies a decision made in support of one option over another.
on the contrary
Used to introduce a statement that contradicts or disagrees with what has been said.
Example: I didn't forget; on the contrary, I remembered it very well.
Note: This phrase is used to present an opposing viewpoint or fact.
in contrast to
To show how two things are different or opposite to each other.
Example: In contrast to last year, this year's sales have increased significantly.
Note: This phrase is used to highlight differences between two things.
on the other hand
Used to introduce a contrasting or different point of view.
Example: I like summer for its warmth, but on the other hand, I enjoy winter sports.
Note: This phrase introduces an alternative viewpoint or perspective.
Instead everyday (slang) expressions
instead of
Used to indicate a choice between two options, where one is preferred over the other.
Example: I'll have coffee instead of tea.
Note:
on the flip side
Used to introduce an alternative perspective or situation.
Example: I didn't go to the party; on the flip side, I spent time with my family.
Note: Implies a contrasting or different scenario.
on another note
Transitioning to a different topic or discussion.
Example: I didn't finish the book I was reading. On another note, I started a new one.
Note: Shifts the focus to a different subject or point.
contrarily
Introducing a counterpoint or differing opinion.
Example: She didn't agree with the decision; contrarily, she offered an alternative solution.
Note: Suggests a disagreement or opposing viewpoint.
on the flipside
Expressing a reversal of expectations or a contrasting situation.
Example: I expected the event to be boring, but on the flipside, it was actually quite fun.
Note: Highlights a surprising or unexpected outcome.
Instead - Examples
Instead of going to the cinema, let's stay at home and watch a movie.
Em vez de ir ao cinema, vamos ficar em casa e assistir a um filme.
I would rather have tea instead of coffee.
Eu prefiro tomar chá em vez de café.
You can use a pencil sharpener instead of a knife.
Você pode usar um apontador em vez de uma faca.
Instead grammar
Instead - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb(Adverb)
Lemma: instead
Conjugations
Adverb(Adverb): instead
Syllables, Separation and Stress
instead Contains 2 syllables: in • stead
Phonetic transcription: in-ˈsted
instead , inˈsted(The red syllable is stressed)
Instead - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
instead: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
