Can someone please explain me the subtleties in the usage of 'rather than' and 'instead of' for SC questions
"Rather than" is used in parallel structures: for example with two adjectives, adverbials, nouns, infinitives or -ing forms. What is important is that the two parts compared need to be PARALLEL grammatically and logically.
e.g. I'd call her hair chestnut rather than brown.
I'd prefer to go in August rather than in July.
We use "instead of" when one person, thing or action replaces another.
e.g. I'll have tea instead of coffee, please.
Can you work with Sally instead of me?
