au lieu de
B1instead of
OppositionComparisonNeutral
Indicates replacement or substitution of one action, thing, or person by another. Expresses what should have been done versus what was done.
Usage
Followed by a noun or infinitive verb. Shows a contrast between what happens and what could/should have happened.
Examples
Au lieu de regarder la télé, tu devrais faire tes devoirs.
Instead of watching TV, you should do your homework.
Context: Suggesting a better alternative
Il a pris le bus au lieu de marcher.
He took the bus instead of walking.
Context: Describing a choice made
Au lieu d'un café, je vais prendre un thé.
Instead of a coffee, I'll have a tea.
Context: Replacing one thing with another
Synonyms & Alternatives
plutôt queà la place de
Important Notes
When followed by a verb, must use the infinitive form. Very useful for expressing alternatives and contrasts.