based on personal preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on personal preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing choices or decisions that are influenced by individual likes or dislikes. Example: "The menu offers a variety of dishes, allowing customers to choose their meals based on personal preference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"You can go to Sephora and buy an oil that may have similar efficacy, but it may not carry the prestige you're looking for," Wilson said, noting that the choice becomes one based on personal preference.

HuffPost

These work based on personal preference, so just find one that works for you!

WikiHow

Based on personal preference, students assigned themselves to one of two groups tasked with the annotation of portrayed emotion in either the audio-visual movie, or the audio-only version.

F1000Research

The choice of US or MRI has traditionally been determined by the clinician based on personal preference and experience rather than on evidence-based guidelines.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Once again, you really can't go wrong if you buy from one of these manufacturers, and your choice should be based on personal preference.

WikiHow

Everyone will notice differences in grip and feel, and choosing a type is "all based on personal preference," Ms. Kleidman said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

As much of this debate is based on personal preferences, one could take a more pragmatic approach, assuming that All models are wrong, but some are useful [ 309].

BMC Systems Biology

Netflix, the popular online movie rental service, is planning to award $1 million to the first person who can improve the accuracy of movie recommendations based on personal preferences.

The New York Times - Tech

Often, their decisions were based on personal preferences rather than on being aligned with the vision.

Harvard Business Review

Communitarianism also challenges the libertarian position that it is paternalistic to interfere with individual choices based on personal preferences.

Britannica

However, literature indicates that most nurses deliver patient education based on personal preferences, time limitations, and availability of teaching aids.

Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, clarify the specific area where "based on personal preference" applies to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of 'choose based on personal preference', write 'choose the design based on personal preference'.

Common error

Avoid using "based on personal preference" excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the criteria influencing the decision, such as "based on client specifications" or "following established protocols".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on personal preference" functions as a post-positive modifier, specifying the criterion or reason behind a particular choice, decision, or action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to indicate subjectivity in decision-making.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "based on personal preference" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a choice is driven by individual taste or inclination. As noted by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific articles, although more formal settings may benefit from more specific alternatives. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the area to which the preference applies. While the phrase is generally acceptable, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives such as "according to taste" or "guided by personal sensibilities" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to individual taste

Focuses on subjective liking as the driver of choice.

depending on subjective inclination

Highlights the role of personal inclinations.

guided by personal sensibilities

Emphasizes the role of individual sensibilities.

at one's own discretion

Indicates freedom to choose according to one's judgment.

as per individual desires

Highlights individual wants and needs.

subject to personal whims

Suggests choices are impulsive and personal.

driven by personal leanings

Indicates a natural tendency guides the choice.

reflective of personal viewpoint

Highlights how individual opinions shape the decision.

as a matter of taste

Indicates something is a subjective choice.

to one's liking

Simple expression of personal satisfaction influencing choice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "based on personal preference" to sound more professional?

Consider using alternatives like "according to individual specifications", "tailored to specific needs", or "aligned with personal requirements" for a more formal tone.

Is it always appropriate to make decisions "based on personal preference"?

While individual taste is important, decisions should also consider factors like practicality, efficiency, and ethical implications. Relying solely on preference may not be suitable in all situations.

What's the difference between "according to taste" and "based on personal preference"?

"According to taste" often refers specifically to culinary choices, whereas "based on personal preference" has a broader application across various types of decisions.

How do I use "based on personal preference" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain why someone made a choice. For example: "The students were allowed to select their research topics based on personal preference."