rather than

Connects two choices or facts to show that the first is preferred or true.

• We walked rather than drove.
• She listens rather than interrupts.
• Would you stay rather than leave without an answer?

How to use it: do something rather than do something (I chose to walk rather than drive.)

Similar words: instead of

Common phrases: rather than wait, rather than complain

Used before the person, thing, or activity that is not chosen.

• I chose rice rather than potatoes.
• They hired Ana rather than her brother.
• Try resting rather than taking on more work.

How to use it: rather than someone/something (She chose tea rather than coffee.); rather than doing something (We saved money rather than buying a new car.)

Similar words: instead of, in preference to

Common phrases: rather than coffee, rather than someone

Introduces an action or situation that is avoided in favour of another.

• Rather than argue, I left.
• Rather than you carry everything, let me take a bag.
• We repaired the roof rather than let the rain damage it.

How to use it: rather than do something (Rather than wait, we called a taxi.); rather than someone do something (Rather than you miss dinner, I will drive you home.)

Similar words: instead of

Common phrases: rather than wait, rather than risk