a firm preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong or definite choice or inclination towards something. Example: "In our survey, the results showed a firm preference for remote work over in-office attendance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It would then be almost three months until the Democratic convention, a period in which, if enough superdelegates have not expressed a firm preference to decide the outcome, the party could face a period of intense horse trading or worse.

The New York Times

No other book by Ms. Spark has received the widespread popular acclaim and exposure of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," but in subsequent interviews, the author expressed a firm preference for dwelling on the future rather than the past.

The New York Times

Like Ed Miliband and Gordon Brown before him, he shows a firm preference for a male-dominated team, its mission to sustain the fantasy that the chosen oddball can prevail: a skilled operation that would evidently be jeopardised if any woman were allowed a speaking role.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky). has largely been alone in his quest to force a deadline on Congress, as the chief agitators for a new AUMF, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va). and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz)., have expressed a firm preference for crafting such a measure in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The Washington Post

Even so, it must be recognised that the cardiologist and/or the patient might have expressed a firm preference for one or the other, thus blocking random allocation.

BMJ Open

Interviewees also reported that even if a firm preference for place of death was established, a rapidly changing clinical situation at the end of life and contingent factors—such as where the best care might be offered, the presence or lack of a social support network, and the availability of services affected the likelihood of preferences being realised.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A firm's preference for equity rather than debt depends on the costs of information production, the precision of the information-production technology, and the extent of the information asymmetry.

Journal of Financial Economics

You have a strong preference for one firm, and your colleague favors the other.

Harvard University

The Amazing Company has lowest firm preference percentage ….

Functional Linguistics

Dealer and largest network The Amazing Company has lowest firm preference percentage … The Amazing Company has highest number of contribution dealer, ….

Functional Linguistics

Increase overall dealer ratings 7 to 75%% by period 8. Increase firm preference by 4.1 to 22%% by period 9. Increase MSRP from $20,199 to $20,899.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a firm preference", ensure the context clearly indicates the object or area of preference. For instance, 'The committee showed a firm preference for candidates with prior experience'.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm preference" when a milder inclination is meant. Using a less emphatic phrase such as "a slight preference" may be more appropriate in some contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm preference" functions as a noun phrase expressing a distinct and unwavering inclination or choice. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a firm preference" denotes a strong and clear inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across diverse contexts including news, scientific, and academic writing. To enhance clarity and avoid overstatement, consider related phrases such as "a strong inclination" or "a definite liking" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "a firm preference" when the situation actually involves a strong or definite inclination and avoid using it when you need to state a milder opinion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong inclination

Replaces 'preference' with 'inclination' and 'firm' with 'strong', emphasizing the direction of favor.

a definite liking

Substitutes 'preference' with 'liking' and 'firm' with 'definite', focusing on positive sentiment.

a marked predilection

Uses more formal vocabulary, with 'predilection' replacing 'preference' and 'marked' replacing 'firm'.

a decided favoritism

Emphasizes a bias towards something with 'favoritism' instead of 'preference'.

a distinct leaning

Highlights the direction of preference with 'leaning' replacing 'preference'.

a clear bias

Directly states the presence of a bias, simplifying the original phrase.

a pronounced tendency

Focuses on the habitual nature of the preference using 'tendency'.

a set choice

Emphasizes the decision aspect, indicating that a choice has already been made.

a fixed desire

Highlights the motivational aspect using 'desire', suggesting a strong wish.

a determined selection

Focuses on the act of selecting something with resolve.

FAQs

What does "a firm preference" mean?

The phrase "a firm preference" indicates a strong or definite inclination towards something, suggesting a clear choice or liking.

What can I say instead of "a firm preference"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong inclination", "a definite liking", or "a marked predilection" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a firm preference" or "a strong preference"?

Both "a firm preference" and "a strong preference" are correct. "Firm" suggests a decision is unlikely to change, while "strong" emphasizes the intensity of the preference.

How to use "a firm preference" in a sentence?

Use "a firm preference" to describe a clear liking or favoring of something. For example, "The data indicated a firm preference for energy-efficient appliances among consumers".