a marked preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marked preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a strong or noticeable inclination towards something over others. Example: "In the survey, participants showed a marked preference for organic products over conventional ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Venezuelan buyers, for example, have a marked preference for the color red).

The New Yorker

He also wrote an anthology, Al-Aṣmaʿīyāt Al-Aṣmaʿīyāta markedisplayingce for elegiac and devotional poetry.

Britannica

In addition, both display a marked preference for others of the same color.

Harvard University

Analysis indicates increased WTP and a marked preference for larger and physically greener investments.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

McCullough has his favorites, and displays a marked preference for the visual artists.

The New York Times - Books

Many monogeneans, for example, show a marked preference for a particular gill arch in a fish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, in the CPSU Politburo there was a marked preference for Russians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, in the case of public-oriented corporate governance, there is a marked preference for indirect regulation.

Columbia University

Chinese collectors today, like the Victorians before them, however, show a marked preference for complex, brightly coloured imperial Qing pieces.

The Economist

A 1964 study found that babies as young as two months old when presented with different patterns will show a marked preference for the unfamiliar ones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Two types of audience exhibit a marked preference for visiting the cinema midweek: older viewers and women, in either pairs or groups.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marked preference", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being preferred and what it is being preferred over. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a marked preference" when a simple preference is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marked preference" functions as a noun phrase indicating a distinct or noticeable inclination towards something. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, which showcase its role in describing tendencies or choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a marked preference" is a grammatically sound phrase that indicates a clear and noticeable inclination towards something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic content. When writing, ensure the context clearly states the preferred item and its alternative to maintain clarity. While "a marked preference" is prevalent, be mindful of potential overstatement and consider alternatives like "a strong inclination" or "a clear favoritism" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong inclination

Emphasizes the internal feeling of wanting something more.

a clear favoritism

Highlights the act of favoring something over others in a more explicit manner.

a distinct liking

Focuses on the positive feeling associated with the preference.

a decided penchant

Uses a more formal word to indicate a strong leaning.

a notable bias

Indicates a preference that might be seen as unfair or unbalanced.

a significant predilection

Emphasizes a pre-existing tendency or liking.

a special affection

Highlights the emotional connection to the preferred item.

a decided partiality

Indicates an inclination towards one thing over others.

a notable leaning

Focuses on the direction of preference, suggesting an imbalance.

a strong disposition

Suggests an inherent tendency or inclination towards something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marked preference" to indicate a noticeable inclination towards something, like in the sentence, "The data showed "a marked preference" for visual learning among students".

What are some alternatives to "a marked preference"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a strong inclination", "a clear favoritism", or "a distinct liking", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

"A marked preference" and "a strong preference" are quite similar, but "a marked preference" suggests the inclination is more noticeable or evident.

What does "a marked preference" imply?

It implies that there is a clear and noticeable inclination towards something over something else. It suggests the preference is not subtle, but rather quite evident.