a specific preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an exact or precise preference, inclination, or choice. For example, "She had a specific preference for strawberry ice cream over any other flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There is not a specific preference to which exam you take.

Columbia University

The results also show that some species had a specific preference for color.

Acta Ecologica Sinica

About one-third, or 535, of survey respondents identified with a political party and were willing to state a specific preference.

The Washington Post

In addition, the students could select that they do not have a specific preference (3 categories in total).

Smart Learning Environments

As mentioned before, different preference models have been developed and existing preference-based MOEAs are designed according to a specific preference model.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

If an agent forms a specific preference as a result of some experience, further changes in her overall preference state are often necessary to regain consistency.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

On what basis arsenic chooses genetic targets are yet to be uncovered and any specific preference for a particular chromosome or sequence is being probed at.

BMC Medical Genomics

This means that these enterprises show very limited signs in their mission statements of any specific preference for an ordered world.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Lacking this information, there is no way to distinguish between a possible specific preference for rarity and a general preference for fairness when the rare disease was four times more costly than the common disease.

British Medical Journal

Finally, given the fact the respiratory domain was not a significant predictor of EQ-5D utility, and the emphasis on respiratory symptoms in CF trials, the development of a disease specific preference based measure may also be worth further investigation.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It is striking, however, that different tumour types have an organ specific preference for metastasis.

Clinical and Experimental Metastasis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research findings, use "a specific preference" to clearly indicate that a particular choice or inclination was observed among the study participants.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "a specific preference" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "really like" or "prefer" in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific preference" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It clearly identifies that someone has a particular inclination or liking for something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific preference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its purpose is to clearly articulate a particular liking or choice and is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the distinct nature of the preference. While the phrase is generally correct and usable, remember to consider more informal options depending on the setting and avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Numerous examples from Ludwig illustrate its correct usage across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular inclination

Replaces "preference" with "inclination", emphasizing a leaning or tendency towards something.

a definite liking

Substitutes "preference" with "liking", highlighting a positive feeling towards something particular.

a marked predilection

Uses "predilection" instead of "preference", suggesting a strong inclination or bias.

a distinct fondness

Replaces "preference" with "fondness", indicating an affection or enjoyment for something specific.

a certain penchant

Employs "penchant" instead of "preference", implying a habitual attraction to something.

a clear favorite

Rephrases the idea as having a "favorite", directly indicating a top choice.

a precise choice

Focuses on the act of choosing, emphasizing the exactness of the selection.

a favored option

Highlights that the preference is for a particular option over others.

a desired selection

Emphasizes that the preference is a wished-for or wanted choice.

a taste for something specific

Frames the preference as a "taste", highlighting a personal liking for something particular.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific preference" to indicate a clear choice or liking. For example, "The study showed the participants had a specific preference for blue over red."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a particular inclination", "a definite liking", or "a marked predilection".

Is it better to say "a specific preference" or "specific preferences"?

The choice depends on whether you're referring to a single preference or multiple. Use "a specific preference" for one particular liking and "specific preferences" when discussing several distinct choices.

When is it appropriate to use "a specific preference" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing, research papers, or professional communications when you want to clearly and precisely express a particular choice or liking. In more casual contexts other terms may be appropriate.