English grammar
Instead of + noun or -ing; … instead at the end
Complain on the phone and say what should happen instead.
From the scene Send the right one instead
In short
Use instead of + noun or -ing for what doesn't happen. Instead alone, at the end, means in its place.
Your turn
Which one goes with another way: at the end?
Options: ring the contact number instead · instead of helping · send the right one instead
Show answer
another way: at the end → ring the contact number instead
How it works
Instead of goes before the thing that does not happen, and a verb after it takes -ing: instead of helping.
Good to know
Instead on its own means in its place, and it usually goes at the end: ring the number instead. Never say instead to help.
what doesn't happen: -ing instead of helping
Elena
Instead of helping, the chat just apologises and offers me perfume samples.
En vez de ayudar, el chat solo pide disculpas y me ofrece muestras de perfume.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), the chat just apologises and offers me perfume samples.
Options: Ring the contact number instead · Send the right one instead · Instead of helping
Show answer
Elena
Instead of helping, the chat just apologises and offers me perfume samples.
En vez de ayudar, el chat solo pide disculpas y me ofrece muestras de perfume.
another way: at the end ring the contact number instead
Nuria
Then ring the contact number instead and ask for an exchange.
Pues llame al número de contacto y solicite un cambio.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Then (blank) and ask for an exchange.
Options: send the right one instead · ring the contact number instead · instead of helping
Show answer
Nuria
Then ring the contact number instead and ask for an exchange.
Pues llame al número de contacto y solicite un cambio.
the right thing in its place send the right one instead
Elena
You've sent me the wrong model. Check it and send the right one instead.
Me han enviado el modelo equivocado. Compruébelo y envíeme el correcto.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
You've sent me the wrong model. Check it and (blank).
Options: ring the contact number instead · send the right one instead · instead of helping
Show answer
Elena
You've sent me the wrong model. Check it and send the right one instead.
Me han enviado el modelo equivocado. Compruébelo y envíeme el correcto.
a better idea hang up instead
Nuria
Don't give it to her! Hang up instead!
¡No se la dé! ¡Cuelgue!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Don't give it to her! (blank)!
Options: Instead of helping · Ring the contact number instead · Hang up instead
Show answer
Nuria
Don't give it to her! Hang up instead!
¡No se la dé! ¡Cuelgue!
Common mistake
Not instead of or rather here. Nothing follows it.
Then ring the contact number instead and ask for an exchange.
Pues llame al número de contacto y solicite un cambio.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| what doesn't happen: -ing | instead of helping |
|---|---|
| another way: at the end | ring the contact number instead |
| the right thing in its place | send the right one instead |
| a better idea | hang up instead |
More lines from the story
- ElenaShe has logged my request. To guarantee my security, she needs my password.Ha registrado mi petición. Para garantizar mi seguridad, necesita mi clave.
- ElenaThe speaker was a mistake. Take it off. Don't charge me for it.El altavoz fue un error. Elimínelo y no me lo cobre.