a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a preference for' is correct and is used in written English.
It is used to indicate a tendency or choice in favor of something. Example: She has a preference for Italian cuisine.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Declare a preference for the Odyssey.

The New Yorker

Williams always had a preference for "thugs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Declare a preference for the Iliad.

The New Yorker

But she expressed a preference for Canada.

The Washington Post

A preference for answering questions only while seated?

The New York Times

But Peru's record suggests a preference for more aggressive tactics.

The New York Times

Their concerns were rather: - A preference for spirited writing.

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, she recently declared a preference for faster courts.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Aftergood agreed, saying, "It signals a preference for secrecy".

The New York Times

I've always had a preference for black men.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is also a preference for whimsy over rigor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preference for" to express a deliberate choice or inclination, rather than a mandatory requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "a preference for" when describing essential criteria. "Preference" implies a choice, while essential criteria are non-negotiable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preference for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a subject's favored option, choice, or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, indicating its reliability in constructing grammatically sound sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a preference for" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate a favored choice or inclination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for a wide range of communications. When using "a preference for", ensure clarity by specifying the object of preference and the reasoning behind it. Avoid using it in situations where absolute requirements are being described, as "preference" implies choice rather than necessity. By understanding its proper use and context, you can effectively integrate "a preference for" into your writing to convey subtle yet meaningful distinctions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a liking for

Focuses more on enjoyment or positive feelings towards something.

a fondness for

Suggests a gentle affection or partiality.

a taste for

Implies a developed appreciation or enjoyment.

an inclination towards

Emphasizes a leaning or tendency in a certain direction.

a predilection for

Indicates a strong liking or bias.

a soft spot for

Highlights a particular affection or vulnerability.

a partiality to

Suggests being favorably disposed towards something.

a bias toward

Indicates an inclination that might be unfair or unbalanced.

a proclivity for

Signifies a natural tendency or inclination.

a leaning toward

Implies a tendency or inclination to favor something.

FAQs

How do you use "a preference for" in a sentence?

"A preference for" indicates a favored choice or inclination. For example, "She has "a preference for Italian cuisine"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a preference for"?

You can use alternatives like "a liking for", "a fondness for", or "an inclination towards" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a preference of" instead of "a preference for"?

While "preference of" might be used in different contexts (e.g. "the customer's preference of color"), when indicating a general liking or favoring, "a preference for" is the standard and more widely accepted form.

How does "a preference for" differ from "a requirement for"?

"A preference for" indicates a choice or favored option, while "a requirement for" signifies a necessary condition or mandatory attribute. A preference is desirable but not essential, whereas a requirement is indispensable.