I prefer for

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'I prefer for' is not correct.
Instead, you could use the phrase 'I prefer' followed by a verb or noun. For example: "I prefer walking to driving." "I prefer chocolate over vanilla ice cream."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I prefer for it to be called the Super Bowl," Jackie said.

The New York Times - Sports

That is the wrestling match I prefer for us to get into, not Washington politics.

The New York Times - Health

When I enter the voting booth, I'm going to ask myself, what do I prefer for Israel and its relationship with the United States: meaningful action or empty rhetoric?

The New York Times

It's extremely light, which I prefer for extended use, though I know some like their tools to be more substantial.

TechCrunch

If you want to see the bubbles, use a traditional flute, otherwise, use a white wine glass which I prefer for the smell and taste.

Forbes

However, Mourinho, who was speaking at a news conference before Real Madrid's Champions League game against Ajax on Tuesday, said: "I came on the pitch before kick-off because I prefer for people to protest at me before the match starts".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Mirant Trust I preferred, for example, which I recommended at $32, is now down to $21 and yields 13.4%.

Forbes

Based on my experience in formulating spectrum policies that helped the U.S. lead the transition to 4G technologies in the late 2000s, that's the option I preferred for the 3.5 GHz band (see my contributions to Forbes here and here).

Forbes

I think I might prefer for some books to be the memories of themselves, not a repeat performance.

The Guardian - Books

I said I would prefer for someone to come and visit me in my house, so then that's what they did".

BMC Psychiatry

"I prefer swans for cappuccinos, tulips for lattes and rosettas for flat white coffees".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Omit the "for" after "I prefer". Use "I prefer" followed directly by a noun or verb (gerund) to express your choice correctly. For instance, say "I prefer tea" or "I prefer reading" instead of "I prefer for tea" or "I prefer for reading".

Common error

The phrase "I prefer for" introduces unnecessary words and complicates the sentence. Focus on concise expression; directly state what you prefer. Using "I prefer" by itself is grammatically correct and more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I prefer for" functions as an incorrect attempt to express a preference. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct form omits the "for".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I prefer for" appears in some contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI flags this and suggests using "I prefer" followed by a noun or gerund. Although examples can be found in news and media, it's best practice to avoid this phrase in formal writing. Alternatives like "I would prefer" or "I favor" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality. Always strive for conciseness and grammatical accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I prefer

Omits the unnecessary "for", resulting in a grammatically correct and more concise expression of preference.

I would prefer

Adds a conditional element, making the preference slightly more polite or tentative.

I'd prefer

A contracted form of "I would prefer", maintaining the conditional and polite tone.

I favor

A more formal synonym for "I prefer", suitable for professional contexts.

I am inclined to prefer

Expresses a leaning towards a preference, implying a thoughtful consideration.

I have a preference for

Shifts the focus to the existence of a preference rather than the act of preferring.

My preference is for

Similar to the previous phrase, highlighting the preference itself.

I'm partial to

Indicates a fondness or liking for something.

I'm more inclined towards

Suggests a stronger leaning compared to a simple preference.

I gravitate towards

Implies a natural or instinctive attraction to something.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "I prefer" in a sentence?

Use "I prefer" followed by a noun or a gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "I prefer coffee" or "I prefer waking up early" are correct. Avoid adding "for" after "prefer".

What are some alternatives to "I prefer"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I favor", "I would prefer", or "My preference is".

Is "I prefer for" grammatically correct?

No, "I prefer for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is simply "I prefer".

What's the difference between "I prefer" and "I would prefer"?

"I prefer" expresses a general preference, while "I would prefer" indicates a conditional or polite preference. For example, "I prefer tea" states a general preference, whereas "I would prefer tea if given the choice" is conditional.