In the English language, the words that join words, phrases, and clauses are regarded as conjunctions. Here we shall examine how the word ‘instead’ can function as conjunction.
The word ‘’instead’’ is considered as a conjunction. More specifically it is adverbial conjunction that not only acts as a conjunction but also modifies the action word i.e. verb, adjective, or any other adverb of the main clause.
Let us discuss more facts related to ‘instead’’ as a conjunction along with when, how it acts, and some examples in an interesting manner.
When is ‘instead’ a conjunction?
It is known to us that in spite of being adverbial conjunction the word ‘’instead’’ can work as conjunction. Now, we shall explain it.
The word ‘’instead’’ is a conjunction when it connects two clauses and frames a single sentence. It states the action of the first clause when the function of the second clause takes place.
The examples which describe ‘’instead’’ as a conjunction are given in the table for better understanding.
| Example | Explanation |
| 1. The girl smiles at me; instead, she turns her face away. | In this sentence, the word ‘’instead’’ acts as conjunction and joins two clauses to frame a single sentence. |
| 2. My mother rebukes me severally; instead, she teaches me with care. | Here it is found that the word ‘’instead’’ connects two separate sentences together and makes a single sentence. |
How is ‘instead’ a conjunctive adverb?
Besides being conjunction the word ‘instead’ is considered a conjunctive adverb. Let us find out the reason why it works as a conjunctive adverb.
The word ‘’instead’’ is a conjunctive adverb because it modifies the verb of the main clause and connects two clauses together. The words that lay emphasis on the verb of the main clause and joins clauses are called conjunctive adverbs.
Ex- The price of meat is more precious; instead, fish is less expensive.
Explanation- In this example, the word ‘’instead’’ acts as a conjunction by connecting two clauses together. It modifies the verb of the main clause ”The price of meat is more precious”.
Examples of ‘‘instead’’ as a conjunction:
We have already come to know the usage of the word ‘’instead’’ as a conjunction. Let us see the examples containing the word ‘instead’’ as a conjunction’
The following sentences show how the word ‘’instead’ is used as a conjunction.
| Example | Explanation |
| 1. They do not like to play hockey; instead, they like to play cricket. | Here the word ‘instead’’ is used to join the two clauses and modify the verb of the main cause. |
| 2. Alex did not visit the Tajmahal; instead, he visited the zoo. | In this sentence, ‘’instead’’ is used to connect two clauses and lay emphasis on the verb in the main clause. |
| 3. His brother did not learn boxing; instead, he learned about the shooting. | In this scenario, we see that ‘instead’’ can act as a conjunction by joining two clauses together. |
| 4. The teacher does not give the students homework; instead, he teaches in the class. | Here the word ‘instead’’ acts as conjunction and makes a single sentence by connecting two clauses. |
| 5. The batsman did not bat slowly; instead, he hits the ball hard. | Here it is found that the word ‘’instead’’ joins two clauses and a single sentence. |
When is ‘instead’’ not considered as conjunction?
The word ‘’instead’’ can be used as a conjunction. Now let us examine when it is not considered conjunction.
The word ‘’instead’’ is not considered as a conjunction when it plays the role of other parts of speech like an adverb, and a preposition. It depends on the way we use it in a sentence.
(a) ‘’Instead’’ is used as an adverb.
When we use ‘instead’’ it means ‘’as an alternative’’. Then it modifies the action verb in the concerned clause.
Ex- Ankita did not buy a large box. Instead, she bought a small one.
Explanation- In this sentence, the word ‘’instead’’ acts as an adverb and modifies the verb ‘’bought’’.
(b) ‘’Instead’’ can be used as a preposition.
‘’Instead’’ can be inserted in a sentence as a preposition with the combination of ‘’of’’. Then it becomes ‘’instead of’’.
Ex- Eshika spent the night watching video games instead of sleeping.
Explanation- Here we see that the word ‘’instead’’ with the combination of ‘’of’’ acts as a preposition. It makes a relationship with the other parts of the sentence.
Examples of ‘instead’’ not considered as conjunctions.
We have learned that we can use ‘’instead’’ except as conjunction.
The following are examples where the word ‘’instead’’ is not functioning as conjunctions.
| Example | Usage of ‘instead” | Explanation |
| 1. Umasankar likes to buy a flat instead of a bungalow. | 1. ”Instead” as a preposition. | Here the word ‘’instead’’ with the combination of ‘’of’’ acts as a preposition. |
| 2. Sourav did not go to America. Instead, he went to England. | 2. ”Instead” as an adverb. | In this sentence, the word ‘’instead’’ is used as an adverb and modifies the verb ‘went’’. |
| 3. My sister is studying English instead of Geography. | 3. ”Instead” as a preposition. | In this example, the word ‘’instead’’ can function as a preposition being placed before a noun. |
Conclusion
This is the article where there is a detailed discussion on ‘’instead’’ as conjunction with interesting examples and detailed explanations. We will get sound knowledge on ‘’instead’’ acting as other parts of speech.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.