be preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing choices or options that are favored over others. Example: "In this situation, a more sustainable approach should be preferred to minimize environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But hand expression would be preferred".

The New York Times - Health

Why should one be preferred to another?

The Guardian

Galeano's Cassandra is to be preferred to his Pollyanna.

The Guardian - Books

"The life of freedom is to be preferred".

The New York Times - Magazine

Named sources are vastly to be preferred to unnamed sources.

The Washington Post

Lung would be preferred from severe, acute pneumonia cases.

Cornell University

For monitoring plasmid instability, the second is to be preferred.

Chemical Engineering Science

Thus, Method III should probably be preferred for risk assessments.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

However, interactive use of the models should be preferred.

Forest Policy and Economics

Individual sulcal anatomy should be preferred over mean atlas locations.

NeuroImage

Energy approaches are thus be preferred to stress criterion models.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be preferred", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being preferred over something else. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

While "be preferred" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing the sentence in the active voice when possible for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

Primary function: Expressing preference or recommendation. The phrase "be preferred" indicates that one option is considered more suitable, appropriate, or desirable than another. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in contexts where choices are being evaluated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be preferred" is a versatile construction used to express that one option is favored over another. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears across various writing styles, particularly in science, news, and academic domains. When using "be preferred", ensure you clearly state what is being compared and why one is favored to maintain clarity. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it is more common in professional and academic writing. Be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice; consider active voice alternatives where appropriate. Common alternatives include "is recommended" and "is favored".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the preferred choice

Highlights the selection of one option over others.

is favored

Emphasizes that something is regarded with favor or approval.

is the recommended approach

Emphasizes the recommendation of a specific method or strategy.

is recommended

Suggests that something is advised or endorsed as a good choice.

is advisable

Indicates that something is sensible or prudent to do.

is better

A simple and direct way to express that one option is superior.

should be chosen

Directly advises selecting a particular option.

is more suitable

Highlights the appropriateness of one option for a particular purpose.

is the better option

Explicitly states that one option is superior to others.

ought to be selected

Suggests a moral or practical obligation to choose a certain option.

FAQs

How can I use "be preferred" in a sentence?

"Be preferred" is used to indicate that one option is favored over another. For example, "In this case, option A should "be preferred" over option B."

What are some alternatives to "be preferred"?

Alternatives to "be preferred" include "is recommended", "is favored", or "should be chosen", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be preferred" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "be preferred" when you want to express a recommendation or preference for one option over another, often based on specific criteria or reasons. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared and why one is favored.

Is "be preferred" formal or informal?

"Be preferred" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in academic, scientific, and professional writing.