Au lieu de - French Expression

Au lieu de - French Expression Expression: Au lieu de Pronunciation: [oh lyeu deu] Meaning: instead of Literal translation: in the place of Register: normal Notes The French expression au lieu de can be translated by instead of or rather than, not to mention the French-English blend in lieu of. However, note the difference in pronunciation: in French, lieu is pronounced [lyeu] (click the sound file above), whereas in American English its pronounced [loo]. Examples Au lieu de can be used in front of an infinitive, a noun, or a demonstrative pronoun:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Je vais à ©crire une lettre au lieu de leur tà ©là ©phoner.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Im going to write a letter rather than calling them.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Viens maider au lieu de rester l ne rien faire  !   Ã‚  Ã‚  Come help me instead of just sitting there! When it precedes a subordinate clause, the expression becomes au lieu que (and requires the subjunctive). However, this usage is somewhat archaic; if at all possible, you should reword the sentence to use au lieu de infinitive.     Ã‚   Au lieu que tout le monde prenne sa voiture, allons-y ensemble. Instead of everyone taking his or her own car, lets all go together. More French Expressions Expressions with Most common French phrasesFrench expressions used in English