are they partial to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are they partial to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about someone's preferences or inclinations towards something. Example: "When it comes to dessert, are they partial to chocolate or fruit-based options?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Q — What isms are they partial to?

The New Yorker

Q — What kind of fixes are they partial to?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So basically, millennials aren't as social-obsessed as we think they are; they're partial to practical apps like the rest of us (i.e., the stuff that helps you get stuff done).

Forbes

And, if they are partial to nostalgia, Nintendo is rebooting its classic NES console with a miniature version just in time for Christmas.

TechCrunch

(Like most billionaires, they are partial to assembling a global residential footprint, as are the buyers of No. 7D, who will apparently use the residence as one in a string of impressive pieds-à-terre).

The New York Times

They loved all-Australian Rafter, but they are not partial to the brattish Hewitt; and they are downright ambivalent about the son of a Greek father and Italian mother.

The Guardian - Sport

While Hinkley was the highest-profile Chinese foray into the UK, its investors have also showed they are partial to English football clubs, particularly those from the West Midlands.

The Guardian - Business

They will beat students and young people for nothing and they are partial to bribes.

Vice

Rats, it seems, pose a threat because they are partial to starchy flower bulbs and to lilies in particular, so a watery nursery for baby water lilies is tended near the greenhouses in order that stocks can be replenished.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are partial to a bit of clog dancing.

The Guardian - Music

Speaking of sauce, they are partial to Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve bourbon, if any future guests want to bring their hosts a present.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are they partial to" when you want to inquire about someone's general preferences or inclinations, especially when considering a range of options. For example, "When choosing a restaurant, are they partial to Italian or Asian cuisine?"

Common error

Avoid using "are they partial to" in highly formal or technical contexts. While generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound slightly informal compared to alternatives like "do they favor" or "do they prefer" which might be more suitable for academic or business writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are they partial to" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about someone's preferences or inclinations. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used in journalistic contexts to understand preferences, such as in the question "What isms are they partial to?"

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are they partial to" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about preferences and inclinations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While suitable for many contexts, it's important to consider the level of formality and choose more precise alternatives like "do they prefer" in formal settings. Understanding these nuances helps in using the phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do they favor

Replaces "partial to" with a more direct synonym, indicating a preference.

are they inclined toward

Uses "inclined toward" to suggest a tendency or leaning towards something.

do they have a preference for

Emphasizes the existence of a preference using a more formal structure.

are they fond of

Indicates affection or liking, similar to having a preference.

do they lean towards

Suggests a tendency to choose one option over others.

what are their preferences

Asks directly about their likes without specifying a particular item.

are they keen on

Uses "keen on" to express enthusiasm or interest in something.

do they enjoy

Focuses on the aspect of enjoyment when considering their choices.

are they susceptible to

Suggests a vulnerability or tendency towards being affected by something.

what appeals to them

Focuses on the qualities that attract or interest them.

FAQs

How can I use "are they partial to" in a sentence?

You can use "are they partial to" to ask about someone's preferences or inclinations. For example, "When it comes to movies, are they partial to comedies or dramas?"

What are some alternatives to "are they partial to"?

Alternatives include "do they prefer", "are they inclined towards", or "what are their preferences", depending on the specific context.

Is "are they partial to" formal or informal?

The phrase "are they partial to" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It is suitable for most conversational and written contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business settings.

What's the difference between "are they partial to" and "do they prefer"?

While both phrases inquire about preferences, "are they partial to" implies a general liking or inclination, whereas "do they prefer" often suggests a choice between specific options.