actually preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preference that is genuine or true, often in contrast to what might be assumed or stated otherwise. Example: "While many options are available, the new model is actually preferred by most customers for its efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Johnson didn't think so; he actually preferred that Nixon win the election.

The New York Times

Having a market that actually preferred immature cotton would thus please farmers no end.

The Economist

The extended opening times on the four days when employees worked were actually preferred by many.

The Guardian - Money

In reality, says Gorovy, she didn't, and she actually preferred male to female company.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Some inflation is actually preferred," he said, so long as it does not grow faster than around 4 percent annually.

The New York Times

We had a ball on the fairground rides – then decided maybe we actually preferred Perfect, after all.

The Guardian - Travel

Alexander Waugh's running joke about this long-suffering and eccentric woman is that she actually preferred cows to people.

The New York Times

In research from the Hartman Group, many so-called millennial wage earners said they actually preferred eating solo.

The New York Times - Magazine

As she confessed in "Pop Blues" in 1968, as a teenager, she actually preferred the white pop versions of 1950s R&B songs.

The New York Times - Books

Top Nuggets officials actually preferred the Nets' package of assets and payroll relief, but ultimately made the easier deal, the one with Anthony's approval.

The New York Times - Sports

She insisted that the values she represented were actually preferred by Labour voters over those of Mr Corbyn, characterising his approach as a politics of "protest".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually preferred" to clarify a genuine preference that might be contrary to common assumptions or expectations. This adds specificity and can prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

While "actually preferred" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Opt for stronger, more direct verbs like "favored" or "chose" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually preferred" functions as an adverb-verb construction modifying the verb to emphasize the genuineness of the preference. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammaticaly sound and can be used to indicate a preference that is true, often in contrast to what might be assumed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

27%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually preferred" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a genuine preference, often in contrast to an expectation or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, science, and less commonly in formal business settings. While the phrase is neutrally formal, users should consider stronger verbs like "favored" or "chose" in professional writing. The phrase serves to clarify a deliberate and authentic selection, highlighting it over other options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really preferred

Uses "really" for emphasis, indicating a notable preference.

genuinely favored

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the preference.

truly favored

Highlights the honesty and reality of the preference.

honestly preferred

Indicates a candid and truthful preference.

sincerely favored

Stresses the heartfelt nature of the preference.

legitimately preferred

Suggests that the preference is valid and justified.

in reality, preferred

Explicitly contrasts the preference with a potential misconception.

in truth, preferred

Underscores the verity of the preference.

surprisingly preferred

Highlights the unexpected nature of the preference.

unexpectedly favored

Emphasizes the surprise associated with the preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "actually preferred" to indicate a genuine preference that might contrast with what is expected or assumed. For example, "Despite the initial concerns, the team "actually preferred" the new software."

What are some alternatives to "actually preferred"?

Alternatives include "genuinely favored", "truly favored", or "really preferred". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "actually preferred"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a preference is genuine, especially if it counters a common belief or initial expectation. It's suitable for both informal and neutral contexts.

Is "actually preferred" more formal or informal?

"Actually preferred" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in professional writing, you may find stronger verbs like "favored" or "chose" provide a more polished tone in certain formal contexts.