French Expression · Beginner
Au lieu de
Instead of
Pronunciation: oh lyuh duh
Meaning
To indicate an alternative or a replacement for something else.
Example
Au lieu de regarder la télé, lis un livre.
Instead of watching TV, read a book.
Common mistakes & tips
- Practice Au lieu de out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this is a beginner-level French expression.