a preferred mode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preferred mode" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a favored method or approach in a particular context, such as communication, transportation, or technology. Example: "In our study, we found that email is often considered a preferred mode of communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Now, for millions of people, the thumb has evolved into a preferred mode of 21st-century communication.

The New York Times - Tech

They each drink a certain type of coffee, have a preferred mode of transport and keep a certain pet.

The Guardian

And, as with the pots, fragmentation was a preferred mode, in relief sculptures composed of several separate panels designed to be randomly combined and recombined.

The New York Times - Arts

For one, there were no New Jersey Transit trains running to the stadium, a preferred mode of transportation for nearly 10,000 fans on game days.

The New York Times - Sports

That splits the audience into three groups, each of which must debate and decide upon a preferred mode of governance: democracy, anarchy or dictatorship.

Independent

Impeachment is a legal, as well as a political, mechanism for terminating the tenures of misbehaving presidents — and a preferred mode rather than replacement via military coup or insurrection.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A recently published fMRI study by Kraemer et al. [ 7] observed that individuals tend to mentally convert information that is presented in a not preferred mode to the preferred mode of processing.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

A recently published fMRI study by Kraemer and colleagues [ 55] observed that individuals tend to mentally convert information that is presented in a not preferred mode to the preferred mode of processing.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Train service to Manhattan is available from JFK and Newark, and bus service is available from LaGuardia, but both involve multiple transfers, making a car the preferred mode of transport for most business travellers.

BBC

Another possible explanation for the observed differential association between active commuting and socioeconomic position across ethnic minority groups is a difference in preferred mode of transportation.

BMC Public Health

It's good to remember, incidentally, that Johnson began his working life as a poet, one whose preferred mode was the confessional, and who would only allow himself one subject: "nothing else but what happens to me".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that you use "a preferred mode" to clearly indicate that something is favored over other options for a specific purpose. This is particularly useful in technical, scientific, or professional contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Don't use "a preferred mode" without clearly indicating what it is preferred over. Ensure the context makes the comparison explicit to avoid confusing your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preferred mode" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a favored or chosen method, manner, or means of doing something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preferred mode" is a noun phrase used to describe a favored method or approach. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a range of contexts. While found most frequently in News & Media and Scientific writing, it maintains a versatile role in communication. When using the phrase, ensure you clarify what the mode is preferred over to avoid ambiguity, and consider alternatives like ""a favored approach"" or ""a chosen method"" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a favored approach

Replaces "mode" with "approach", emphasizing the method used more directly.

a chosen method

Substitutes "preferred" with "chosen", highlighting the act of selection.

a favored way

Uses "way" instead of "mode", making it more informal.

a selected style

Replaces "mode" with "style", indicating a particular manner or form.

a favored route

This alternative is mostly used when referring to ways of transportation.

an adopted method

This emphasizes adoption of a specific method.

a customary method

Replaces "preferred" with "customary", suggesting a usual or traditional practice.

a go-to strategy

Uses idiomatic language to convey something commonly relied upon.

an ideal method

Highlights the method is considered perfect for something.

a standard means

Suggests a commonly accepted or typical method.

FAQs

How can I use "a preferred mode" in a sentence?

You can use "a preferred mode" to indicate a favored method or approach. For example: "For many, texting is "a preferred mode" of communication".

What are some alternatives to "a preferred mode"?

Alternatives include "a favored approach", "a chosen method", or "a favored way". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the preferred mode" instead of "a preferred mode"?

Using "the preferred mode" implies there's only one option that is favored, whereas "a preferred mode" suggests one among several possibilities. Choose the article that best reflects your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "a preferred mode" and "a standard method"?

"A preferred mode" indicates a choice based on subjective criteria or specific needs, while "a standard method" implies an accepted or typical procedure, often based on established protocols.