any preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about someone's choice or inclination regarding options or decisions. Example: "Do you have any preference for the meeting time, or should we just go with the usual schedule?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Any preference for maintaining the status quo was natural.

The Guardian - Sport

Any preference for the actor to play the young Jack Greenberg?

The New York Times

Of nepotism concerns, he went on, "You try to insure that neither individual gets any preference.

The New Yorker

"There is no evidence that Mr Cornwell gave any preference to Mr McCloy".

The Guardian

(The family did not express any preference on the terms that I should use to describe its status).

The New Yorker

And in making the shift, the president did not betray any preference for one policy approach over another.

The New York Times

If he had any preference, he did not show it or allow it to cloud the advice he gave.

The Guardian

An "open ticket" is where a party hands out a how-to-vote that doesn't make any preference recommendations.

The Guardian

It was circumstances that sent Gerrard to the flank rather than any preference by the Anfield manager.

The Guardian - Sport

In a talk delivered at a symposium in honor of Ms. Lincoln at Columbia University in December, Ms. Monson quoted Ms. Lincoln: "I've lost any preference for anybody.

The New York Times - Arts

Le Pen will not express any preference – it's like choosing between the plague and cholera, one of her advisers commented last night.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "any preference" in a question, clearly state the options being considered to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Do you have "any preference" between tea and coffee?"

Common error

Avoid using "any preference" when the choices are not explicitly defined or understood by the listener. Ensure the context makes the available options clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any preference" functions primarily as an interrogative determiner phrase, typically used in questions to inquire about someone's preferred option or choice from a set of possibilities. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "any preference" is a versatile and commonly used interrogative phrase for inquiring about someone's favored option. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and adaptable to various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using the phrase, clarity is key; explicitly state the options to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "any inclination" or "any choice" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With an expert rating of 4.5, the phrase demonstrates strong grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage, making it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do you have a preference

Phrases the query as a direct question.

any particular preference

Highlights the specificity of the desired preference.

any inclination

Focuses on a leaning or tendency rather than a firm choice.

any specific inclination

Combines the elements of specificity and inclination.

any special preference

Emphasizes a preference that is unique or exceptional.

any preference whatsoever

Adds emphasis to the absence of any specific inclination.

any predilection

Uses a more formal term for preference.

any favorite

Implies a stronger leaning towards a particular option.

any option

Broadens the scope to include any available choice.

any alternative

Focuses on another possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "any preference" in a question?

To use "any preference" effectively, clearly state the options available. For instance, "Do you have "any preference" regarding the meeting location?" or "Is there "any preference" for the color scheme?". Make sure the context is clear to avoid confusion.

What are some alternatives to "any preference"?

You can use alternatives like "any inclination", "any predilection", or "any specific inclination" depending on the formality and context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the options when asking about "any preference"?

While not always mandatory, explicitly stating the options is highly recommended for clarity. If the options are already understood in the context, it might be omitted. However, for initial inquiries, it's best to be explicit. For example: "We have tea, coffee, and juice. Do you have "any preference"?"

What's the difference between "any preference" and "any choice"?

"Any preference" implies a leaning towards a specific option based on personal taste or convenience, while "any choice" simply asks if there's a selection to be made without necessarily implying a favored option. The two are very close in meaning, but subtle differences exist. If you want to know if someone has a favorite, use "any preference". Otherwise, use "any choice".