a clear preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clear preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express a strongly-held preference for something. Example: I have a clear preference for dark chocolate over white chocolate.

✓ 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

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

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

The New York Times

But the company is going beyond transparency and, in some categories, expressing a clear preference for GMO-free products.

The Guardian

"Recent studies show that animals have a clear preference for sucrose over other sugars," Dr. Araujo said.

The New York Times

Here again, statistics showed a clear preference for speakers in front of listeners and high above them.

The New York Times - Science

A clear preference for glycerol over glucose was observed.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, follow "a clear preference for" with a specific reason or justification, showcasing the rationale behind the preference.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear preference for" when the situation involves mere liking or general interest without an explicitly defined set of options to choose from. Use alternative phrases that more accurately convey general interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear preference for" functions as a modifier indicating a strong inclination or prioritization towards a particular option or thing. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used to express choices in various contexts, from political endorsements to scientific selection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear preference for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a strong inclination or prioritization across various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in scientific and news domains. When employing this phrase, ensure the alternatives are well-defined and, if possible, justify the preference to enhance clarity. While suitable for professional and neutral registers, consider more formal or informal alternatives depending on your intended audience and context. By avoiding the common mistake of using it when there are not defined alternatives, you ensure that your writing remains precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct liking for

This alternative emphasizes personal enjoyment or fondness.

a marked inclination toward

This suggests a natural tendency or leaning in a particular direction.

a strong leaning toward

Similar to inclination, but highlights the intensity of the preference.

a decided favoritism for

Implies a bias or partiality towards one option over others.

a notable partiality to

Similar to favoritism, suggesting an inclination that might not be entirely objective.

a significant bias toward

This indicates a prejudice or predisposition that affects judgment.

a pronounced taste for

Highlights a cultivated appreciation or liking, often for refined things.

a palpable affinity for

Suggests a natural connection or attraction to something.

a demonstrable proclivity for

This implies a natural or habitual inclination, often with a slightly formal tone.

a manifest predilection for

This suggests a pre-existing liking or preference, often without a clear reason.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a clear preference for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a marked inclination toward", "a decided favoritism for", or "a manifest predilection for". These alternatives, while similar in meaning, lend a more sophisticated tone to your writing.

What are some less formal alternatives to "a clear preference for"?

If you aim for a more casual tone, try using phrases like "a distinct liking for", "a strong leaning toward", or even simply "really likes". These options soften the intensity of the preference while still conveying the basic sentiment.

How does "a clear preference for" differ from "a slight preference for"?

"A clear preference for" indicates a strong and noticeable inclination towards something, while "a slight preference for" implies a minor or subtle inclination. The degree of intensity is the key difference.

Is there a difference between "preference for" and "a clear preference for"?

While both phrases denote inclination, "a clear preference for" emphasizes the strength and unambiguity of the preference. The addition of "clear" enhances the decisiveness of the choice, differentiating it from a mere inclination.