a clear preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's distinct choice or inclination towards one option over others. Example: "In the survey results, there was a clear preference for option A among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amongst all voters, there was a clear preference for Labour.

The Guardian

Among those who encourage continued activism, Mr. Bush has been a clear preference over Mr. McCain.

The New York Times

But it expressed a clear preference for the trade center site.

The New York Times - Arts

"We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump.

The New Yorker

Starting from the ground up implies a clear preference for experience over dogma.

The New Yorker

In June, the Russian government adopted "a clear preference" for Trump, according to the report.

The New Yorker

He expressed a clear preference for India, which gives Bhutan considerable financial assistance, over China.

The New York Times

"That's not clear, but I think it's certainly a clear preference after what we just saw".

The New York Times - Sports

"The Simpsons" is part of a clear preference in Hispanic homes for shows from the Fox network.

The New York Times

Yet board members say their studies reveal "a clear preference for the Playland facility," said Ms. Watkins.

The New York Times

Some 79% of those who stated a clear preference said they were certain not to change their minds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear preference", ensure that the context provides sufficient information about the options being compared. The reader should understand what the preference is for or against.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear preference" without clearly defining the alternatives. Ambiguity can arise if it's not evident what the preference is between. Be explicit to ensure clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear preference" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It indicates a definite and easily discernible inclination towards something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear preference" is a commonly used noun phrase indicating a distinct inclination or choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in both scientific and news-related contexts, demonstrating its versatility and neutrality. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the alternatives to avoid ambiguity. The expert rating confirms its reliability, and the provided alternatives offer variations for expressing similar concepts with slightly different nuances. Given its frequent usage and grammatical soundness, "a clear preference" is a reliable choice for expressing a distinct liking or inclination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct preference

Emphasizes the noticeable difference in the preference.

a strong preference

Highlights the intensity of the preference.

a marked preference

Suggests the preference is easily observed and significant.

a definite preference

Indicates a firm and unambiguous choice.

a decided preference

Similar to 'definite', implying a resolute choice.

a noticeable preference

Focuses on the visibility and easy detection of the preference.

a pronounced preference

Implies the preference is very noticeable or conspicuous.

a plain preference

Emphasizes the simplicity and obviousness of the preference.

an explicit preference

Highlights that the preference has been directly and clearly expressed.

a demonstrated preference

Focuses on showing the preference through actions or evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear preference" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear preference" to indicate that there is a distinct inclination towards something. For example: "The data showed "a clear preference" for organic products among consumers."

What are some alternatives to saying "a clear preference"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a distinct preference", "a strong preference", or "a marked preference", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a clear preference"?

Yes, "a clear preference" is grammatically correct. It's a common noun phrase used to describe a distinct liking or inclination towards something.

What's the difference between "a clear preference" and "a slight preference"?

"A clear preference" indicates a strong and easily noticeable inclination, while "a slight preference" suggests a minor or less pronounced inclination.