are preferable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are preferable to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when comparing two options or choices, to indicate that one is better or more desirable than the other. Example sentence: "In terms of fuel efficiency, electric cars are preferable to traditional gasoline cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are preferable to dull all-vegetable dumplings.

The New York Times - Food

They are preferable to a continuation of the status quo".

The New York Times

They argue that vague guidelines are preferable to formal rules.

The New York Times - Tech

We know that democracies are preferable to secretive, totalitarian governments.

The New York Times

For most disk golfers, Pole Holes are preferable to posts.

The New York Times

Flip-flops are preferable to cement shoes, especially in summertime.

The New Yorker

- Summer rolls are preferable to fried egg rolls.

The Washington Post

Generous, public-spirited billionaires are preferable to mean ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

In business, known unknowns are preferable to unknown unknowns.

Harvard Business Review

Fresh birds, of course, are preferable to frozen.

The New York Times - Food

"We think campuses are preferable to studios," she said, "and we believe that six networks are preferable to one or two".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are preferable to" when you want to clearly and objectively state that one option is better or more suitable than another based on specific criteria.

Common error

While "are preferable to" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "are better than" or "I prefer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are preferable to" functions as a comparative expression. It indicates that one option or set of options is considered better or more desirable than another. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to express preference based on specific criteria.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are preferable to" is a grammatically correct and very common comparative expression used to indicate that one option or set of options is considered better or more desirable than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility and applicability across various contexts make it a valuable tool for expressing preference in formal, neutral, and even some informal settings. While alternatives like "are better than" or "are superior to" may be more appropriate in casual conversations, "are preferable to" offers a nuanced and objective way to express preference in more formal writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are better than

More direct and less formal way to express preference.

are superior to

Implies a higher degree of advantage or quality.

are favored over

Indicates a tendency to choose one over the other.

are preferred over

Similar to 'favored over' but can suggest a more conscious decision.

are more desirable than

Focuses on the attractiveness or appeal of one option.

are advantageous compared to

Highlights the benefits of one option over the other.

are a cut above

Informal expression suggesting a noticeable difference in quality.

hold an advantage over

Emphasizes the competitive edge of one option.

outweigh

A verb that succinctly captures the idea of one thing being more important or beneficial than another.

beat

Informal and concise way to indicate superiority.

FAQs

How do I use "are preferable to" in a sentence?

Use "are preferable to" when you want to compare two options and express that one is better or more suitable than the other. For example: "For most disk golfers, Pole Holes "are preferable to" posts."

What can I say instead of "are preferable to"?

You can use alternatives like "are better than", "are superior to", or "are favored over" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are preferable to" or "is preferable to"?

"Are preferable to" is used when referring to plural subjects or options. "Is preferable to" is used for singular subjects or options. For example: "Apples are preferable to oranges" vs "An apple is preferable to an orange."

What's the difference between "are preferable to" and "are required for"?

"Are preferable to" expresses a preference or advantage, while "are required for" indicates a necessity or requirement. One is about choosing the better option, while the other is about what is essential.