be partial to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be partial to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to have a liking or preference for something or someone. Example: I am partial to chocolate cake, it's my favorite dessert. Example: She is partial to dogs, she owns three of them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

In contrast, opera divas tend to be partial to humidifiers.

The New York Times - Arts

But that does not mean Hlinka will be partial to any particular nationality, Patrick said.

The New York Times - Sports

You might not be partial to it, but I know you.

The New Yorker

As for registered Democrats, they seem to be partial to cartoons.

The New York Times

He can be partial to the Mets, but he is not a homer.

The New York Times - Sports

Though talking of people who might be partial to the odd drink, the Sky cameras promptly zoom in on Mike Ashley in the stands.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

He is partial to Pink Floyd.

The New York Times - Sports

(She's partial to Legos).

The New York Times

He is partial to theatricality.

The New Yorker

He was partial to dancers.

The New York Times

We're partial to nytimes.com.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be partial to", consider the formality of the context. While generally suitable for most situations, more formal settings may benefit from synonyms like "favor" or "prefer".

Common error

Avoid using "be partial to" in highly formal or academic writing where a more direct and precise term like "prefer" or "favor" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be partial to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's inclination or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show it modifying subjects such as people, organizations, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be partial to" is a versatile phrase used to express a preference or liking for something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for broad application. For alternative phrasing, consider "prefer" or "favor". Remember to use it appropriately in both formal and informal settings to convey your intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a preference for

More explicit about having a liking, adding a noun-based structure.

be fond of

Indicates affection or liking, implying a positive sentiment.

have a soft spot for

Indicates a particular affection or tenderness.

favor

A shorter, more direct verb expressing preference.

be keen on

Expresses enthusiasm or strong interest.

prefer

A general verb indicating a choice over other options.

lean towards

Suggests a tendency to support or prefer.

be inclined to

Suggests a tendency or leaning toward something.

be sympathetic to

Implies understanding or approval, often in a more formal context.

enjoy

A basic expression of liking or pleasure.

FAQs

What does "be partial to" mean?

The phrase "be partial to" means to have a liking or preference for something or someone. It suggests a mild inclination or fondness.

How can I use "be partial to" in a sentence?

You can use "be partial to" to express a preference. For example, "I "have a preference for" Italian food" or "She is "fond of" classical music".

What can I say instead of "be partial to"?

You can use alternatives like "prefer", "favor", or "be fond of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am partial to myself"?

While grammatically correct, saying "I am partial to myself" might sound unusual. It's more common to use the phrase when referring to preferences for things or other people, rather than oneself.