a preferred outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preferred outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a desired or favored result in various contexts, such as decision-making, negotiations, or project planning. Example: "In this negotiation, our goal is to reach a preferred outcome that satisfies both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This involves working backwards from a preferred outcome in order to identify the optimal strategy for achieving it.

The Economist

Textualism is not a dispassionate guide to a result; it's merely a vehicle to a preferred outcome — the destruction of Obamacare.

The New Yorker

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that administration of nVNS therapy in patients with treatment-refractory migraine was associated with significant reductions in the monthly number of headache days, a preferred outcome measure in migraine studies, and pain intensity.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

For infants, we chose attributable cases as a preferred outcome.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

To cosmopolitans, the global geopolitical environment has no moral relevance other than for its potential influence on the certainty of achieving a preferred outcome.

Global Health Action

BMI (adjusted for age and sex) is identified 21 by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines as a preferred outcome measure in children aged 2 years or older.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Moreover, examining drivers and feedbacks facilitates the analysis of possible transitions between system states (e.g., from a lose lose outcome to a more preferred outcome).

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

That's what true positive thinking is about - recognizing the present reality, differentiating that from a realistic and preferred outcome, and then setting about moving toward that more positive future by taking positive, proactive action in the here and now.

Huffington Post

Patients are more likely to agree with a diagnosis that supports their preferred outcome than a diagnosis that goes against their preferred outcome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is particularly good at showing how judges use minor rulings to nudge a case to their preferred outcome.

The New York Times - Books

Where does the idea -- that sex is the preferred outcome when a man and a woman are acquainted -- even come from?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preferred outcome" when you want to convey a sense of measured judgment and strategic decision-making in achieving a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "a preferred outcome" when a more definitive term like "the only possible outcome" is accurate, as it implies a degree of flexibility or choice that may not exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preferred outcome" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific result that is favored or desired in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preferred outcome" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a desired result or goal. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, as well as formal and business environments. The phrase implies a strategic choice and is suitable for professional and neutral registers. Alternatives such as ""a desired result"" or ""an ideal solution"" offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a chosen or favored outcome rather than an absolute necessity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a desired result

Focuses on the element of wanting or wishing for a specific result.

an ideal solution

Implies that the outcome is the best possible resolution to a problem.

a favorable resolution

Highlights the positive and beneficial aspect of the outcome.

a successful result

Emphasizes the achievement and accomplishment of the desired outcome.

a wanted consequence

Focuses on the intended and anticipated effect of an action or decision.

a chosen course of action

Highlights the deliberate selection of a path leading to the desired result.

a strategic advantage

Suggests that the outcome provides a beneficial position or edge.

an advantageous position

Focuses on the favorable standing or situation resulting from the outcome.

an optimal conclusion

Indicates the best possible ending or resolution to a situation.

a prime objective

Highlights the desired outcome as a key goal or target.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preferred outcome" to describe a desired result in various situations. For example: "The company's negotiation strategy aimed for "a preferred outcome" that benefited both parties."

What phrases are similar to "a preferred outcome"?

Alternatives include "a desired result", "an ideal solution", or "a favorable resolution", each emphasizing different aspects of the desired result.

Is there a difference between "a preferred outcome" and "a desired outcome"?

While similar, "a preferred outcome" often implies a more strategic or considered choice, whereas "a desired outcome" simply indicates something that is wanted.

When is it inappropriate to use "a preferred outcome"?

Avoid using "a preferred outcome" if you mean to convey that a certain result is the only acceptable one, as the phrase implies that other outcomes are possible but less desirable.