and preferably in the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and preferably in the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a preference for something to be done in a specific manner or format. Example: "I would like the report submitted by Friday, and preferably in the standard format we discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

For me, the ideal time to cartoon is when I've had between sixteen and nineteen alcoholic drinks over a one and a half to two hour period, and preferably in the morning.

The New Yorker

WHEN it comes to dessert, my husband is a man of simple tastes, perfectly content as long as chocolate features prominently, and preferably in the form of chewy, dark brownies.

The New York Times

I hope Mr. Hunlock goes to jail, and it is unfortunate that he will never get back to Sing Sing as an inmate this time and preferably in the cell block he used to supervise; but his heinous cruelty must not be allowed to be treated lightly.

The New York Times

More of a male fantasy than Stepford husbands could ever conjure up, the British cooking show hostess is always in the kitchen purring hot home economics advice such as mangoes are "best eaten in their natural state, and preferably in the bath".

The New York Times

It comes to seem only a matter of time before Atticus Finch, in a white suit and preferably in the square-jawed form of Gregory Peck, will amble reassuringly into view, scooping up little girls on to his knee and promising us that the Bible ain't such a bad book really, just a matter of what you take from it.

The Guardian - Books

The oxidation is followed by thermal treatment at above 200 °C and preferably in the range 300 400 °C to liberate sulfur mainly as SO2.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As for generalization, this impressive mortality reduction should be confirmed in subsequent trials, but it is evident that, from now on, patient survival in the ICU and preferably in hospital should be the primary endpoint of such studies.

Critical Care

While the E.C.B. could reopen its own bond-buying program, most analysts say this would be effective only if it intervened heavily, and preferably in tandem with the euro zone bailout funds.

The New York Times

Still, Rosetta Trio is best experienced in action, and preferably in close quarters, as was the case at the Rockwood Music Hall in SoHo on Wednesday night.

The New York Times - Arts

Head for the breathtaking Chianti hills, to the four-star luxury – yet affordable – camping resort, Norcenni Girasole, near Greve, and preferably in May or June, when the weather is usually superb but you can avoid the high-season crowds and prices.

The Guardian - Travel

Cuts down the face (and preferably in a matching set) were "curtains," supposedly marking a snitch subsequently left to peek through drapery that never goes away.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and preferably in the" to clearly state a secondary preference within a broader context. This helps to refine your requirements and guide the recipient towards a more satisfactory outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "and preferably in the" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated. Consider using more formal alternatives like "ideally" or rephrasing the sentence for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and preferably in the" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, adding a qualification or preference to a preceding statement. It indicates a desired condition or location, suggesting that while the primary requirement is important, this additional element would be ideal. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and preferably in the" is a grammatically sound conjunctive phrase used to add a preference or ideal condition to a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys common usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. To maintain stylistic sophistication, consider alternatives like "ideally in", especially in highly formal settings. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "and preferably in the" to refine your communication and express desired conditions with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ideally within

Focuses on an ideal spatial containment, implying a desired boundary.

ideally in

Specifies an ideal state or location.

ideally within the bounds of

This phrase emphasizes confinement or limits, adding a legalistic or structured context.

ideally inside

Directly specifies a physical inclusion or containment, simplifying the preference.

optimally situated in

Emphasizes the location is the best it could be.

optimally in

Emphasizes a best-case scenario location or state.

ideally situated

Focuses more on the spatial arrangement being perfect, rather than the content.

preferably within

Highlights a preferred boundary or limit, offering a less absolute requirement.

preferably inside

Expresses the physical element inclusion.

preferably situated

Focuses on the positional aspect being favored.

FAQs

How can I use "and preferably in the" in a sentence?

Use "and preferably in the" to express a secondary preference within a broader requirement. For example, "I need the report by Friday, and preferably in the standard format".

What is a more formal alternative to "and preferably in the"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "ideally in" or rephrasing the sentence to sound more sophisticated.

Is it grammatically correct to use "and preferably in the"?

Yes, "and preferably in the" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "and preferably in the" and "preferably in"?

"And preferably in the" is used as a conjunction to add a preference to a previous statement, while "preferably in" stands alone as an adverbial phrase indicating a preference. For example, "Submit the file, and preferably in the PDF format", versus "The file should be submitted, preferably in PDF format".