instead of

instead of or in place of also  {formal} in lieu of  {prep.}

In the place of; in substitution for; in preference to; rather than.

I wore mittens instead of gloves.

The grown-ups had coffee but the children wanted milk in place of coffee.

The boys went fishing instead of going to school.

The Vice-President talked at the meeting in place of the President, because the President was sick.

The magician appeared on the program in lieu of a singer.

Compare: IN PERSON.