a policy of preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a policy of preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific approach or guideline that favors certain options or groups over others. Example: "The organization has adopted a policy of preference for hiring local candidates to support the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He said Mr. Bush had benefited from a policy of preference for "legacies and wealth, a preference that has disproportionately helped whites".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Several of Mr. Bush's aides wondered why the administration had not simply adopted a policy of giving preference to prime contracts to members of the coalition, without barring any countries outright.

The New York Times

It would pursue its true agenda: to 'reclaim France's sovereignty and defend its identity, send the immigrants home, establish state authority, repress crime and delinquency, promote traditional family values, and install a policy of national preference to restore the pride of every French man and woman in the fact that they were born French'.

The Guardian

She rated classical and intuitionistic mathematics as equally good frameworks and adopted a policy of alternating preference that meticulously respected the equal cognitive standing she accorded to classical and intuitionistic mathematics.

SEP

A policy of racial preference, however, sets up many unsuspecting students for failure and disappointment, depriving them of degrees and careers they would have attained had they attended colleges that suited them better, and depriving the nation of more STEM-trained minority professionals.

Science Magazine

Chamberlain had called for a policy of Imperial Preference, and the imposition of tariffs against countries opposed to Britain's imperial interests.

Wikipedia

In 1971 Malaysia's second prime minister, Abdul Razak, began a policy of racial preferences for majority Malays and other "sons of the soil".

The Economist

This instrumental rationale may justify freedom of expression in preference to a policy of censorship whenever the censor finds the beliefs in question implausible or offensive.

SEP

With a radical change in tariff policy in 1931 and 1932, the United Kingdom removed the ban on the taxation of food imports, opening the way for a systematic policy of imperial preference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With a lower growth rate of motor traffic (and an official policy of giving preference to the railroads), postwar construction of motorways was less advanced in East Germany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MacManus said Obamacare became more of a symbol than a policy preference.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a policy of preference", ensure that the specific criteria for preference are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. For instance, specify whether the preference is based on factors like experience, location, or affiliation.

Common error

Avoid using "a policy of preference" without specifying the context or criteria. Vague references can lead to misunderstandings and accusations of unfairness. Be explicit about who or what the policy favors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a policy of preference" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific approach or guideline that favors certain entities over others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a policy of preference" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a deliberate system of favoring certain entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage spans across news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. Related phrases include "a preferential policy" and "a preference-based policy". When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount to avoid ambiguity. While not overly common, it's a valuable tool for describing scenarios where certain groups receive prioritized treatment. The term is used across diverse source types, including authoritative outlets like The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A preferential policy

Replaces "of preference" with the adjective "preferential" for a more concise phrasing.

A preference-based policy

Uses "preference-based" to directly link the policy to the idea of preference.

A policy that favors

Replaces "of preference" with the verb phrase "that favors", making the sentence more active.

A policy of preferential treatment

Adds "treatment" to emphasize the act of giving preference.

A directive of preference

Substitutes "policy" with "directive", suggesting a more specific instruction.

A system of prioritizing

Shifts the focus to the action of prioritizing, rather than a static policy.

A guideline favoring

Replaces "policy" with "guideline", indicating a less formal approach.

A practice of giving priority

Changes from a formal policy to a more general practice.

A bias in favor of

Introduces the idea of "bias", suggesting a potentially unintentional preference.

A leaning toward

Uses "leaning" to indicate a slight or subtle preference.

FAQs

How can I use "a policy of preference" in a sentence?

You can use "a policy of preference" to describe a situation where certain individuals or groups are favored over others, such as, "The company implemented "a policy of preference" for local suppliers to support the community's economy."

What's the difference between "a policy of preference" and "affirmative action"?

"A policy of preference" is a broader term referring to any guideline that favors certain groups, while "affirmative action" specifically refers to policies designed to address historical discrimination against minority groups.

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

Alternatives include "a preferential policy", "a preference-based policy", or "a policy that favors", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a policy of preference" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. Whether "a policy of preference" is viewed positively or negatively depends on the context, the justification for the preference, and its impact on those who are not favored. It can be seen as fair in some situations (e.g., supporting local businesses) but unfair in others (e.g., discriminatory hiring practices).