according to preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to preference" is an expression that is often used in written English.
It is generally used when someone is suggesting that the choice of an action be based on an individual's preference, rather than any other criteria. For example, "You can serve the ice cream with either grape or strawberry topping, according to preference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Under AV, they would rank the contenders according to preference.

The Economist

Finalists are interviewed by the site committee, which ranks the proposals according to preference.

The New York Times

You play through 20seasonss of training, tactics and transfers, with scope to dive deep or skim your way through according to preference.

The Guardian - Tech

There are nine kinds, seasoned according to preference, and ranging from the "thick noodle" to lai fun, a tightly coiled vermicelli that resembles Spanish moss.

The New Yorker

A set of feasible weights is determined according to preference statements that are linear constraints on the weights given by a decision-maker.

European Journal of Operational Research

Today North would not pass over West's takeout double; he would respond one spade or one no-trump, according to preference.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Drivers will be able to filter results according to preferences of proximity or price.

The New York Times

Specialised fonts, designed according to preferences of readers with sight problems, have not necessarily led to enhanced reading performance.

International Congress Series

Thus, the user must select the most suitable solutions according to preferences and relative importance of the objective functions.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

They often drink beer according to mood, the same way people order and consume food according to preferences of the season or moment.

Huffington Post

It should be noted that the usefulness of the comparisons between HRQL measures can be limited by sample size, particularly as studies are usually not powered to detect differences according to preference-based measures.

European Journal of Health Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to preference", ensure the subject having the preference is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Season the dish according to your preference" is clearer than "Season the dish according to preference."

Common error

Avoid using "according to preference" without specifying whose preference is being considered, as this can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying "Adjust the settings according to preference", specify "Adjust the settings according to the user's preference."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to preference" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that an action or choice should be determined by someone's personal taste or liking. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied contexts, illustrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

58%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to preference" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that grants autonomy in choices. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. Grammatically sound and versatile, its usage spans various contexts, though clarity demands specifying whose preference is being addressed. While numerous alternatives exist, ranging from "depending on personal taste" to "at one's discretion", "according to preference" remains a reliable and universally understood means of indicating that choices should align with individual taste.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on individual choice

Emphasizes the individual's selection as the determining factor.

depending on personal taste

Highlights the role of personal taste or liking.

as per one's liking

Uses a more informal tone, suggesting personal enjoyment.

at one's discretion

Indicates freedom to decide based on one's own judgment.

subject to individual desires

Focuses on personal wants and needs as the basis for action.

guided by personal inclination

Suggests a natural tendency or preference is guiding the choice.

as desired by the person

Directly states that the person's wishes are being followed.

in accordance with one's wish

Formally expresses that something is done following someone's desire.

consistent with personal selection

Highlights that the choice aligns with the individual's selection.

contingent on individual penchant

Indicates that the outcome depends on someone's particular taste or habit.

FAQs

How can I use "according to preference" in a sentence?

You can use "according to preference" to indicate that a choice or action should be based on someone's personal liking. For example, "You can customize the interface "based on individual choice"."

What are some alternatives to "according to preference"?

Some alternatives include "depending on personal taste", "at one's discretion", or "subject to individual desires", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "according to preference" or "based on preference"?

"According to preference" and "based on preference" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic "depending on personal taste".

What does "according to preference" mean?

It means that something should be done or chosen in a way that matches someone's personal taste or liking. It gives a freedom to decide "as desired by the person".