a decided preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decided preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong or clear inclination towards something over others. Example: "She has a decided preference for classical music over contemporary genres."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Besides, public polls have registered a decided preference for Berlin.

The New York Times

These days, Ms. Scott and Mr. Van Winkle hold a decided preference for the standard fee.

The New York Times

His foreign policy for the 21st century marks a decided preference for unilateralism.

The New York Times - Books

On her albums, she has displayed a decided preference for vests and jeans.

The New York Times - Arts

Men seemed surprisingly willing to adapt, with a few suitors even developing a decided preference for the modern Swazi woman.

The New York Times

Most business travelers have a decided preference in hotel companies but also tend to belong to multiple hotel loyalty programs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

DS A's decided preference for the Snow White dress-up outfit springs to mind, as does the time his sister dressed him as a bride, with the announcement he was going to marry Frank.

Huffington Post

Decided Preference For Pigeon Subjects He preferred pigeons to rats as subjects because they lived much longer.

The New York Times

Russia regards Mr. Saakashvili, and his decided preference for doing business with the United States, as such an irritant that it has stirred up two separatist rebellions on the Georgian-Russian border and restricted trade between the countries.

The New York Times

Their decided preference was to leave the new nation and go to the part of Pakistan that still existed.

The New York Times

Ladinos are readily recognizable by their exclusive use of the Spanish language (rather than indigenous languages) and by their decided preference for Western (rather than traditional) dress.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decided preference" when you want to emphasize the clarity and strength of someone's liking or choice for something. For example, instead of saying "He likes coffee more than tea", you could say "He has a decided preference for coffee over tea" to make the statement stronger.

Common error

Avoid using "a decided preference" when describing a choice made due to lack of options. This phrase indicates active, strong liking, not passive acceptance. For example, avoid saying "He had a decided preference for water because there was no juice" use "forced to choose" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decided preference" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a strong or clear inclination towards something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression in written English. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, underlining its versatility in conveying a clear choice or liking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decided preference" is a noun phrase used to express a strong and clear inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, make sure to highlight an active and strong liking, and not a passive acceptance. Alternatives like "a strong liking" or "a clear favorite" can be considered depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various audiences. When writing, avoid using it to describe choices made due to lack of options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear favorite

Focuses on the item or option that is most liked or chosen.

a firm favorite

Highlights the established and enduring nature of the preference.

a marked inclination

Highlights the noticeable tendency or leaning towards something.

a significant partiality

Emphasizes that the partiality is important or meaningful.

a noteworthy tendency

Highlights the prominence of the inclination.

a strong liking

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the preference, focusing on enjoyment.

a telling predilection

Conveys the sense that the preference is revealing or indicative of something else.

a distinct penchant

Indicates a strong and habitual liking for something.

a genuine affection

Underscores the authenticity and warmth of the positive feeling.

a pronounced bias

Suggests a leaning that may be unfair or unbalanced.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decided preference" to indicate a strong liking or inclination towards something. For instance, "She has a decided preference for classical music over pop music".

What are some alternatives to "a decided preference"?

Some alternatives include "a strong liking", "a clear favorite", or "a marked inclination". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a decided preference" in formal writing?

Yes, "a decided preference" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express a strong preference. However, consider if "firm favorite" is a better option.

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

"A decided preference" implies a strong and noticeable inclination, while "a slight preference" suggests a mild or minor inclination. The choice depends on the strength of the preference you want to convey.