Rather than vs Instead of
Rather than – shows preference. This expression is generally used in ‘parallel’ structures. e.g – with two nouns, adjectives, adverbs, infinitives or -ing forms.
e.g
1). We ought to invest in machinery rather than buildings.
2). I prefer starting early rather than leaving things to the last minute.
When the main clause has a to – infinitive, rather than is usually followed by an infinitive without to or -ing form.
e.g – I decided to write rather than phone/phoning.
Instead of – suggests that one person, thing or action replaces another. Instead is not used alone as a preposition; we use the two words instead of.
Instead of is not usually followed by an infinitive.
e.g
1). I’ll have tea instead of coffee, please.
2). I stayed in bed all day instead of going to work.
3). Amit was invited to the reception, but he was ill, so Akash went instead of him.
Note – Instead (without of) is an adverb. It begins or ends a clause usually.
e.g – She didn’t go to Greece after all. Instead , she went to America.
NOTE :
Usage — instead of + noun phrase. Instead of is only a preposition and can introduce only a phrase i.e no verb
Usage — rather than + verb (or) rather than + noun. Further rather than can act as a preposition and can introduce a prepositional phrase or can act as a conjunction and introduce a clause
To understand the use of the above concept view questions 22 and 23 by clicking on the link below.
