Today we are going to check out 50 sentences with instead, including questions that use istead, to practice our English! Not only that, but we will be looking at a paragraph using instead, too.

Sentences with Instead

Here are 10 example sentences with instead. This is the first set of sentences we will practice today. Try to read and repeat them until you feel comfortable with how instead is used in different situations.

I didn’t eat pizza; I had pasta instead.
Max went to the park instead of staying home.
Let’s watch a movie instead of going out.
I will have tea instead of coffee.
We decided to walk instead of driving.
She wore a red dress instead of a blue one.
He chose to work from home instead of going to the office.
We will meet on Tuesday instead of Monday.
Eve studied in the library instead of at home.
I played basketball instead of soccer.

In these sentences, instead is used to show an alternative choice or action. It indicates that one option was chosen over another. Instead is often used when we make decisions or express preferences.

How to make sentences with instead + What it means

Instead is an adverb that is used to show a choice between two options. It replaces one thing with another. It tells us that one thing is happening or will happen in place of something else. It can be used to talk about things, actions, or ideas.

Typically, instead comes after the verb in a sentence. For example:

“I ate pasta instead.”
“Mary went to the store instead.”

You can also use instead at the beginning of a sentence when you want to emphasize the alternative choice:

“Instead of pizza, I had pasta.”
“Instead of staying home, he went to the mall.”

In both cases, instead shows that one thing is being replaced by something else. It’s a simple way to talk about making choices or changes.

Instead sentence structure

instead sentence structure	Example Sentences
Action + Instead + Action	“He worked late instead of leaving early.”
Instead + Action + Action	“Instead of eating cake, I had fruit.”

Instead in a Sentence

Now let’s look at 10 more examples of instead in a sentence. Keep reading and repeating, you’re doing great!

I went to the gym instead of watching TV.
Mrs. Jones bought a dress instead of a jacket.
We played cards instead of going outside.
I decided to read instead of taking a nap.
They took a taxi instead of walking.
I had water instead of juice with my meal.
He chose to stay home instead of going out.
She used her phone instead of a computer.
We ate at a restaurant instead of cooking at home.
I studied at night instead of in the morning.

In these sentences, instead helps explain a choice between two actions. It’s commonly used to show that something was done as an alternative to something else, whether it’s about daily activities, decisions, or preferences.

Sentences with Instead: Part 3

Here are 10 more sentences using instead. These examples continue to show how we use instead to replace one thing with another.

I called a friend instead of sending an email.
They chose the blue car instead of the red one.
We decided to go to the beach instead of the mountains.
I went for a walk instead of doing yoga.
He took a nap instead of going to the gym.
We had sushi instead of pizza for dinner.
I drank lemonade instead of soda.
She took the bus instead of driving her car.
We made cookies instead of cake for the party.
They went to the museum instead of the movie theater.

Again, in these examples, instead helps to explain the decision-making process. It indicates that something was preferred or chosen over something else, often related to everyday decisions.

Instead of in a sentence

Here are 10 examples of instead of in a sentence – they specifically work on instead + of. When do we use this phrase? We use the phrase “instead of” in a sentence to show substitution or replacement between two things, making it clear that one is being used in place of another. “Instead” alone is more general and typically requires context to clarify what is being replaced or substituted. Practice reading and repeating these next sentences with instead of:

She chose tea instead of coffee.
I went for a walk instead of staying inside.
He ate fruit instead of junk food.
They decided to drive instead of taking the bus.
We’ll use a pen instead of a pencil.
Instead of watching TV, I read a book.
He worked on the project instead of playing games.
I took the train instead of driving to work.
Instead of complaining, she found a solution.
They painted the walls blue instead of green.

Instead Questions

Let’s practice instead with 10 example questions for conversation. Try to answer these questions using full sentences. If you’re unsure, use your imagination to create answers.

What do you like to do instead of watching TV?
Do you prefer to walk or drive? Why, instead of the other?
What would you do instead if you couldn’t use your phone for a day?
Do you usually have coffee or tea instead? Why?
What do you do instead of working when you need a break?
Have you ever gone to the beach instead of the mountains? When?
Do you eat out at restaurants instead of cooking at home?
Have you ever chosen to stay in instead of going out? Why?
What would you do instead if you didn’t have internet access for a day?
Do you usually relax at home instead of going out with friends?

These questions give you a chance to practice using instead when discussing preferences and choices. Try to answer each question in a full sentence to help you practice speaking naturally and confidently.

Instead Paragraph

Here’s a short fictional paragraph using instead. How many times can you spot today’s word?

Maria had been planning to go to the movies all week, but when the day arrived, she didn’t feel like it. She had been working hard lately, and all she wanted was some time to relax at home. Instead of going to the theater, she made a cup of tea and read a book by the window. It was peaceful, and she felt much more relaxed. Later, she decided to go for a walk in the park instead of meeting her friends at the coffee shop. It was a quiet, enjoyable afternoon, and she didn’t regret her decision to stay home instead. Maria realized that sometimes, taking a break from plans and choosing a peaceful day instead could be just what she needed.

In this paragraph, instead is used to show that Maria made different choices throughout the day, replacing one action with another. The use of instead helps us see her preferences and how she prioritized relaxation over other activities.

Sentences with instead: Useful for Improving Your English

Learning to use sentences with instead is useful when you want to talk about alternatives or make choices in English. It helps you show that one thing is being replaced by another, and it makes your sentences clearer when explaining decisions or actions.

Whether you’re deciding between two options or explaining why you made a certain choice, instead is an important word for improving your English. It can be used in both everyday conversations and in more formal situations. By practicing instead, you can make your speech and writing more dynamic and precise, making it easier to explain your preferences or decisions.

50 Sentences With Instead: Better English Speaking!