instead of /rather than

[venmic]

In order to ensure that chemical reactions in the lab behnave as predicted by formulas,
it is imporantt that heat be applied evenly over the total surface area of the flask
instead of a series of irregular points on its surface

1) instead of

2) rather than to

2

why is rather than better than instead of

[/spoiler]

[karthikpandian19]

Rather than - shows preference. This expression is generally used in 'parallel' structures. e.g - with two nouns, adjectives, adverbs, infinitives or -ing forms.

e.g

1). We ought to invest in machinery rather than buildings.
2). I prefer starting early rather than leaving things to the last minute.

When the main clause has a to - infinitive, rather than is usually followed by an infinitive without to or -ing form.

e.g - I decided to write rather than phone/phoning.

Instead of - suggests that one person, thing or action replaces another. Instead is not used alone as a preposition; we use the two words instead of.
Instead of is not usually followed by an infinitive.

e.g

1). I'll have tea instead of coffee, please.
2). I stayed in bed all day instead of going to work.
3). Amit was invited to the reception, but he was ill, so Akash went instead of him.

Note - Instead (without of) is an adverb. It begins or ends a clause usually.

e.g - She didn't go to Greece after all. Instead , she went to America.


NOTE :
Usage --- instead of + noun phrase. Instead of is only a preposition and can introduce only a phrase i.e no verb
Usage --- rather than + verb (or) rather than + noun. Further rather than can act as a preposition and can introduce a prepositional phrase or can act as a conjunction and introduce a clause


SO IN YOUR QUESTION IT IS "rather than to" AS IT ASKS FOR PREFERENCE

[gunjan1208]

Rather than - Preferance

Instead of - Replacement.

Rather than to is correct here.