as they prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they prefer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something should be done according to someone's personal choice or liking. Example: "We will arrange the meeting time as they prefer to ensure everyone can attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Aromani, as they prefer to identify themselves, are a distinct ethnic community.

Columbia University

Grey marketeers (or parallel importers as they prefer to be called) exploit the resulting price differential.

The Economist

Zoophiles argue that their relationships with their pets, or "partners" as they prefer, are entirely mutual.

The New York Times

None of the 65 council members are gypsies, or Romani, as they prefer to be called.

The New York Times

The majority of users vomit — or, as they prefer to say, "purge".

The New Yorker

"Kotor Bay is more popular with European buyers, as they prefer old stone properties and less crowded holidays".

The New York Times

"Would they like to maintain the status quo because it is supportive of the institution as they prefer it?

The New York Times

Just as they prefer modern instruments, the musicians favor modern reference points when discussing the works at hand.

The New York Times

A few also have special programs and packages to attract potential boarders, or shredders, as they prefer being called.

The New York Times - Sports

Fueling the undercurrent for independence is the cultural and racial insecurity of the Eskimos (or, as they prefer, Inuit).

The New York Times

Leafy greens should be OK, as they prefer cool season conditions, and by growing them in the semi-summer shade it would mimic those conditions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they prefer" to clearly indicate that a choice or action is being guided by someone's personal preference, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse of "as they prefer" in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "according to their preference" or "in accordance with their wishes" may lend a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they prefer" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action is done according to someone's choice or liking. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in various contexts to specify preference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as they prefer" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates actions should be based on personal choice or liking. Grammatically correct and widely applicable, it functions as an adverbial phrase. As Ludwig AI points out, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While alternatives exist for more formal contexts, "as they prefer" effectively conveys autonomy and respect for individual preferences in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they choose

Focuses on the act of choosing, implying a deliberate selection.

as they desire

Focuses on the strength of their wanting something.

according to their preference

More formal and emphasizes adherence to a stated preference.

as they favor

Highlights the act of selecting one option over others.

in accordance with their wishes

Emphasizes respect for their desires or requests.

if they so choose

Offers a conditional choice, emphasizing the possibility of choosing differently.

as they see fit

Implies a delegation of authority and trust in their judgment.

at their discretion

Similar to 'as they see fit' but emphasizes individual judgment.

based on their predilection

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or liking.

as they incline

Suggests a natural tendency or leaning towards a certain option.

FAQs

How can I use "as they prefer" in a sentence?

Use "as they prefer" to indicate that an action or choice should be made based on someone's personal liking. For example, "Guests can arrange the seating "as they prefer"."

What are some alternatives to "as they prefer"?

You can use phrases like "as they choose", "according to their preference", or "at their discretion" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as they prefer" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, it's best to use more formal alternatives like "in accordance with their wishes" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "as they prefer" and "as they wish"?

"As they prefer" emphasizes personal liking or inclination, while "as they wish" focuses more on their desires or requests. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.