a more discerning preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more discerning preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a choice or taste that is more selective or critical than usual. Example: "As a connoisseur of fine wines, she developed a more discerning preference for vintage selections."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tides seeks a more discerning audience.

The New Yorker

"Middle Britain is a more discerning consumer than middle America.

The New York Times

Another key factor was a more discerning focus on which athletes to fund.

The Guardian - Sport

So to assemble a more discerning jury, I sought out some audiophiles by announcing my quest on Twitter.

The New York Times

The emergence of the Internet and a more discerning consumer has created the need for traditional retail centres to provide a more convenient shopping environment.

Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

And like Las Vegas, Atlantic City is betting that a higher class of food will bring a more discerning class of tourists.

The New York Times - Food

After actively debating and defining collective standards for high-quality writing, students were able to apply a more discerning lens to their own work.

University of California, Berkeley

The proliferation of artisan roasteries across Britain has ballooned in the past five years, as coffee lovers have become more interested in ethics, and have developed a more discerning palate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Casting a more discerning eye toward Taylor when he attempts to get another licence to box could be the chance to do something before another tragedy happens.

The Guardian - Sport

It fell upon John Bartlett, who put forth a stunning show on Thursday evening, to cast a more discerning eye on the world of the well bred.

The New York Times - Style

But in the last several years, a small number of residents and weekend homeowners who want to attract a more discerning crowd have opened charming hotels and high-quality restaurants, with even more in the works.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a more discerning preference" to denote a cultivated and critical taste developed through experience or knowledge, implying a shift from general acceptance to selective appreciation.

Common error

Avoid using "a more discerning preference" in contexts where a simple liking would suffice. Overusing the phrase can sound pretentious if the situation doesn't genuinely involve refined judgment or expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more discerning preference" functions as a noun phrase, where "discerning" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "preference". It describes a refined or discriminating taste.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a more discerning preference" denotes a refined and critical taste. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates a lack of examples, suggesting it's not a commonly used phrase. Related phrases include "a more refined taste" and "a more selective choice". When using "a more discerning preference", ensure the context warrants the implication of sophisticated judgment, avoiding overuse in simple liking situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more refined taste

Replaces "discerning preference" with "refined taste", emphasizing sophistication and elegance.

a more selective choice

Substitutes "discerning preference" with "selective choice", highlighting careful selection from a range of options.

a greater appreciation

Shifts from preference to appreciation, indicating a deeper understanding and enjoyment.

a keener eye for quality

Focuses on the ability to detect quality, rather than a simple preference.

a heightened sense of discrimination

Emphasizes the ability to distinguish between subtle differences.

a more critical judgment

Highlights the evaluative aspect of the preference.

a stronger inclination

Uses "inclination" to indicate a tendency or leaning towards something.

a more sophisticated palate

Specifically refers to taste, often in the context of food or drink.

an elevated standard

Focuses on setting a higher benchmark for selection.

a marked predilection

Uses "predilection" to suggest a strong liking or fondness.

FAQs

How can I use "a more discerning preference" in a sentence?

You might say, "As she became a sommelier, she developed "a more discerning preference" for aged wines" or "The market is shifting towards consumers with "a more discerning preference" for sustainable products".

What are some alternatives to "a more discerning preference"?

Consider using phrases like "a more refined taste", "a more selective choice", or "a keener eye for quality" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a more discerning preference"?

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that someone's taste or selection process has become more critical, sophisticated, and refined, often due to increased knowledge or experience.

Is there a difference between "a discerning preference" and "a more discerning preference"?

"A discerning preference" indicates a general tendency for refined choices, while ""a more discerning preference"" suggests a development or shift towards even greater selectivity and critical evaluation over time.