a sexual preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sexual preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's sexual orientation or the types of sexual relationships they are attracted to.
Example: "Many people are open about their sexual preference, which can vary widely among individuals."
Alternatives: "a sexual orientation" or "a sexual inclination".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Suddenly, he was a sexual preference.

The Guardian - Books

Only two people are tallied as having a sexual preference for pacemakers.

The Guardian

Jokes about lantern-rubbing aside, that's not a sexual preference: it's racism.

The Guardian - Opinion

He met his victims via apps such as Grindr, expressing a sexual preference for young, slim, boyish-looking men known as "twinks".

The Guardian

The use of the word to denote a sexual preference derives from the island's association with Sappho, the ancient poet who wrote about her love for women.

The Guardian

As for any suggestion that the relationship between the oven and Scott is untoward, Mr. Schaden says, "I don't know if an oven has a sexual preference".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But had the Church demanded a sexual-preference test, when, in 1976, it revised its canons to permit the ordination of women?

The New Yorker

There are also people who associate having a female child as suffering, or a child with a genetic variation such as albinism, or a child with a different sexual preference.

Huffington Post

"It's not a disorder of its own," he points out, referring to bestiality's status in the DSM-5, which classifies zoophilia as an unspecified sexual preference, usually a component of some larger disorder.

Vice

Legal interpretations necessitate a physical act, rather than the mere existence of a particular sexual preference (Harrison et al. 2010).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

"How do you decide who lives and who dies? Are you looking for people who are more educated, or wealthier, or those who have a particular sexual preference?" The data is sparse.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context and audience when using the term "a sexual preference", as it can be a sensitive topic for some individuals.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a sexual preference" is always a conscious choice, as it is often a complex aspect of identity shaped by various factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sexual preference" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in sentences, referring to an individual's inclination towards certain types of sexual relationships. Ludwig AI also supports that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sexual preference" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe an individual's sexual attraction, inclination, or orientation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While widely used, it's crucial to be mindful of the context and audience when using the term, particularly regarding connotations of choice versus inherent identity. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources. Alternatives such as "sexual orientation" or "sexual inclination" might be more appropriate in formal settings.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual orientation

Focuses on the direction of sexual attraction, rather than preference.

sexual inclination

Emphasizes a natural tendency or leaning toward a particular sexuality.

sexual attraction

Highlights the feeling of being drawn to someone sexually.

sexual desire

Focuses on the longing or craving for sexual activity or contact.

sexual taste

Implies a personal liking or affinity for certain sexual experiences or partners.

sexual identity

Refers to how one defines oneself in terms of sexuality.

More alternative expressions

a low preference

a sexual context

a sexual connotation

a common preference

a large preference

a sexual direction

FAQs

Is it appropriate to use "a sexual preference" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, it's best to consider the context. Terms like "sexual orientation" or "sexual identity" may be more suitable in formal or academic contexts as they are generally considered more neutral and inclusive.

What's the difference between "a sexual preference" and "sexual orientation"?

"A sexual preference" implies a choice, though not always consciously made, while "sexual orientation" refers to a more inherent and stable aspect of one's identity, encompassing emotional and romantic attractions as well as sexual ones.

How can I use "a sexual preference" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's attraction to a particular gender or type of person. For example, "His "a sexual preference" is for men" or "The study explored various factors influencing "a sexual preference"".

Are there situations where using "a sexual preference" might be offensive?

Yes, if used dismissively or to invalidate someone's identity. It's crucial to use respectful and inclusive language, acknowledging that sexuality is a complex and personal aspect of identity. Avoid phrasing that suggests it's merely a 'choice' or 'lifestyle'.