I so prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I so prefer" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used informally to emphasize a strong preference, but it is more common to use "I really prefer" or "I strongly prefer." Example: "I so prefer tea over coffee, especially in the morning."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They're not weapons!..I so prefer the deaf to the blind".

Wikipedia

I so prefer the rows of individual private stalls in the Fenway's Park Women's room today.

Huffington Post

Personally, with this heat, I SO prefer the blue one... OO Video: Nightline Does The Climate Math With Bill McKibben scroll down... BM always gives a passionate performance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

stilllistening "This is the book which explains why I so often prefer non-fiction to fiction these days.

The Guardian - Books

So I prefer so rom-coms and re-runs of Friends".

The Guardian - Sport

I'm Muslim, so I prefer being somewhere I can smoke up instead of drinking beer".

Vice

He's laughed that off many times: "I'm only 5ft 9in, so I prefer to use the Dudley Moore line – I'm a sex thimble".

Independent

I like to help people, so I prefer when they present something where I can explain what it is and what we'll do.

BMC Family Practice

Because I am the DJ, I am the centre of attention and I'm actually quite shy, so I prefer to dress down.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm not in the forecasting business, so I prefer the phrase "working hypothesis," which I adjust as the economic cycle unfolds.

Forbes

I have to make excuses so I prefer not to go and save myself the trouble".

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In informal settings, "I so prefer" can add a touch of personality to your writing. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid overusing "so" for emphasis in formal writing as it can sound unnatural. Instead, focus on precise word choice to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I so prefer" functions as a statement of preference, where "so" is intended to intensify the feeling. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this construction isn't standard and might sound awkward to some speakers.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I so prefer" expresses a preference with added emphasis, though it's not a standard construction. As Ludwig AI states, it is acceptable but not the most common way to express preference. It is more fitting for informal contexts and personal expressions, while formal settings benefit from stronger, clearer adverbs like "really" or "strongly". While generally acceptable, it's wise to consider the audience and context when using this phrase. The limited number of examples suggests that this phrase is not frequently used, thus more traditional expressions of preference are likely to be better understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I strongly prefer

Emphasizes preference with a stronger adverb.

I really prefer

Uses a common adverb to indicate a high degree of preference.

I much prefer

Highlights a considerable difference in preference.

I favor

Replaces "prefer" with a synonym indicating approval or support.

I lean towards

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards something.

I would rather

Expresses preference using a conditional construction.

My preference is for

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the preference itself.

I'm more inclined to

Uses a more formal tone to express a leaning towards something.

I gravitate towards

Implies a natural or instinctive preference.

I'm partial to

Indicates a fondness or special liking for something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I so prefer"?

You can use alternatives like "I really prefer", "I strongly prefer", or "I much prefer" depending on the context.

Is "I so prefer" grammatically correct?

While not ungrammatical, "I so prefer" is less common than other ways of expressing preference and might sound awkward to some readers. It's generally considered acceptable in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "I so prefer"?

It's most appropriate in informal settings or when you want to add a personal touch to your writing. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "I strongly prefer".

What is the difference between "I so prefer" and "I prefer"?

"I so prefer" is intended to add emphasis compared to the simple statement "I prefer". However, the emphasis is often better conveyed using other adverbs like "really" or "strongly".