Except vs Instead: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you confused about when to use except and when to use instead? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between except and instead, and give you tips on how to use them correctly.

Let’s define our terms. Except is a preposition that means “not including” or “excluding.” For example, “Everyone is coming to the party except John” means that John is not included in the group of people who will be attending the party. Instead, on the other hand, is an adverb that means “as an alternative” or “in place of.” For example, “I don’t want pizza for dinner. Instead, let’s have sushi.” means that the speaker is suggesting sushi as an alternative to pizza.

Now that we have a clear understanding of what each word means, let’s dive into when to use them.

Define Except

Except is a preposition that is used to indicate exclusion or exclusionary circumstances. It is often used to show that something is not included in a particular category, group, or action. It can also be used as a conjunction to introduce a clause that expresses exclusion or exception.

• Example 1: All of the students passed the exam except for John.
• Example 2: I have everything I need for the party except for the decorations.
• Example 3: We are open every day except Sunday.

Define Instead

Instead is an adverb that is used to indicate a preference or alternative. It is often used to show that one thing is chosen or done in place of another. It can also be used as a conjunction to introduce a clause that expresses a preference or alternative.

• Example 1: I decided to stay home instead of going to the party.
• Example 2: He chose to take the bus instead of driving.
• Example 3: Instead of going to the beach, we went to the park.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make all the difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Two commonly confused words are “except” and “instead.” Here’s how to use them correctly:

How To Use “Except” In A Sentence

“Except” is a preposition that means “excluding” or “not including.” It is often used to introduce an exception to a rule or statement.

Example:

• All of the students passed the test except for John.

In this sentence, “except for John” introduces the exception to the statement that all of the students passed the test.

Another way to use “except” is as a conjunction to connect two clauses, with the second clause expressing the exception to the first clause.

Example:

• I would have gone to the party, except I had to work.

In this sentence, the first clause expresses the desire to go to the party, while the second clause introduces the exception that the speaker had to work.

How To Use “Instead” In A Sentence

“Instead” is an adverb that means “as an alternative” or “in place of.”

Example:

• I decided to stay home instead of going out.

In this sentence, “instead of going out” introduces the alternative action of staying home.

“Instead” can also be used as a conjunction to connect two clauses, with the second clause expressing the alternative action to the first clause.

Example:

• I didn’t go to the party. Instead, I stayed home and watched a movie.

In this sentence, the first clause expresses the decision not to go to the party, while the second clause introduces the alternative action of staying home and watching a movie.

By using “except” and “instead” correctly in your writing, you can effectively communicate exceptions and alternatives in your statements and ideas.

More Examples Of Except & Instead Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use except and instead in a sentence. These examples will help you to better understand the proper usage of these two words and how to apply them in your writing.

Examples Of Using Except In A Sentence

• I like all fruits except for bananas.
• Everyone was present at the meeting except for John.
• The store is open every day except for Sundays.
• She has visited every country in Europe except for Greece.
• He eats everything except for spicy food.
• All the students passed the test except for one.
• She has read all the books in the series except for the last one.
• They have completed all the tasks except for the last one.
• The museum is open every day except for Mondays.
• Nothing was left in the box except for a few scraps of paper.

As you can see from these examples, except is used to exclude something or someone from a group or list. It is often used to show that everything or everyone is included except for one specific thing or person.

Examples Of Using Instead In A Sentence

• He decided to go to the beach instead of the park.
• She chose to wear a dress instead of pants.
• We will have pizza for dinner instead of hamburgers.
• He suggested we take the train instead of driving.
• She decided to stay home instead of going to the party.
• He recommended we see a movie instead of going to the concert.
• She chose to study at home instead of going to the library.
• We will have tea instead of coffee.
• He suggested we take a walk instead of watching TV.
• She decided to read a book instead of watching a movie.

Instead is used to show that one thing or action is chosen over another. It is often used to express a preference or a change of plan. As you can see from these examples, instead is often used with the word “of” to show what is being replaced.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words except and instead, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when using except and instead:

Mistake #1: Using Except When Instead Is The Correct Word

Except is used to exclude something or someone from a group or category. Instead, on the other hand, is used to indicate that one thing is being substituted for another. For example:

• Incorrect: I’ll have everything on the menu except the burger.
  Correct: I’ll have everything on the menu except for the burger.
• Incorrect: I wanted to go to the party, except I had to work.
  Correct: I wanted to go to the party, but I had to work instead.

Mistake #2: Using Instead When Except Is The Correct Word

Except is often used to show an exception to a rule or statement. Instead, however, is used to indicate a replacement or alternative. For example:

• Incorrect: Everyone was invited to the party, instead of John.
  Correct: Everyone was invited to the party, except for John.
• Incorrect: I’ll have the salad instead of the dressing.
  Correct: I’ll have the salad without the dressing, except for the vinaigrette.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the difference between except and instead. One helpful tip is to think about whether you are excluding something or replacing it with something else. Additionally, proofreading your writing and double-checking your usage of these words can help ensure that you are using them correctly.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “except” and “instead,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Depending on the situation, using one word over the other can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “except” and “instead” might change:

Context	Example	Correct Word Choice
Comparing Two Options	“I don’t want pizza for dinner, except maybe if it’s from that new place.”	Except
Offering an Alternative	“I don’t want pizza for dinner, let’s have tacos instead.”	Instead
Excluding Something	“Everyone is coming to the party, except John.”	Except
Replacing Something	“I lost my phone, so I’m using my tablet instead.”	Instead

As you can see from these examples, the choice between “except” and “instead” can depend on the intended meaning of the sentence. When comparing two options, “except” is the correct choice, while “instead” is used to offer an alternative. Similarly, “except” is used to exclude something, while “instead” is used to replace something.

It’s important to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure that the sentence accurately conveys the intended meaning. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using except and instead are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. It is important to be aware of these exceptions to avoid making mistakes in your writing.

Exceptions For Except

One exception to the rule for using except is when it is used as a preposition to mean “excluding.” In this case, it is followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example:

• All of the students passed the exam except John.
• I like all vegetables except for beets.

Another exception is when except is used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses something that is not included in the main clause. For example:

• I would have gone to the party, except that I was feeling sick.
• She would have finished the project on time, except that she ran out of supplies.

Exceptions For Instead

One exception to the rule for using instead is when it is used as an adverb to mean “as a substitute.” In this case, it is followed by an infinitive or an infinitive phrase. For example:

• I decided to stay home instead of going to the party.
• She chose to take the train instead of driving.

Another exception is when instead is used as a conjunction to introduce a sentence that expresses a choice or preference. For example:

• Instead of going to the beach, we decided to go hiking.
• He prefers to read a book instead of watching TV.

It is important to keep these exceptions in mind when using except and instead in your writing to ensure that you are using them correctly and effectively.

Practice Exercises

Mastering the use of except and instead in sentences can be a challenging task. However, with practice exercises, anyone can improve their understanding and usage of these two words. Here are some practice exercises that can help you become proficient in using except and instead in your writing:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Fill in the blanks with except or instead:

Sentence	Answer
I will have a glass of water ____________ of a soda.	instead
All the students passed the test ____________ John.	except
She decided to stay home ____________ of going out.	instead
Everyone ____________ him was invited to the party.	except
He bought all the books ____________ the one he needed.	except
__________ of taking the bus, she walked to work.	Instead

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences using except or instead:

1. She likes all fruits except for bananas.
2. All the children enjoyed the movie except for Timmy.
3. He decided to go to the beach instead of the park.
4. Everyone except for Sarah was at the party.
5. She bought everything except for the shoes.
6. He took the train instead of driving.

Answers:

1. She likes every fruit except bananas.
2. Except for Timmy, all the children enjoyed the movie.
3. He decided to go to the beach instead of the park.
4. Everyone was at the party except for Sarah.
5. She bought everything except the shoes.
6. He took the train instead of driving.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of except and instead and use them correctly in your writing. Keep practicing until you feel confident in your usage of these two words.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that the proper use of “except” and “instead” can greatly improve the clarity and precision of one’s writing. Here are some key takeaways:

Except

• Used to exclude something or someone from a group or action
• Often paired with “for” or “from”
• Can be used as a preposition or conjunction
• Examples: “Everyone is going to the party except for John” or “I will do anything except eat sushi”

Instead

• Used to indicate a preference or alternative action
• Often paired with “of” or “that”
• Can be used as an adverb or conjunction
• Examples: “I will have tea instead of coffee” or “Instead of going to the movies, let’s go for a hike”

Remember to always consider the context and intended meaning when deciding between “except” and “instead.” By using these words correctly, you can communicate your ideas more effectively and avoid confusion.

Learning about grammar and language use is an ongoing process. Keep exploring and expanding your knowledge to become a more skilled and confident writer.