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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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be strictly preferred.

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be strictly preferred." is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is the most favored option or choice in a specific context. Example: "In this situation, option A should be strictly preferred over option B due to its efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This brings us to the Transitivity axiom, which says that if an option \(B\) is at least as preferable as \(A\), and \(C\) is at least as preferable as \(B\), then \(A\) cannot be strictly preferred to \(C\).

Science

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

M ≺ M′ means that M is strictly preferred to M′.

Science

SEP

Making a proposal implies that the action associated to it is strictly preferred as its contrary.

Economically, the open access Nash equilibrium is inferior to the cooperative outcome for every agent: the latter is strictly preferred to the former by every agent.

Science

Plosone

The decision classes are preference-ordered according to the decision maker, i.e. for all r, s∈ T such that for r> s the objects from class Y r are strictly preferred to the objects from class Y s.

We also write xPy if xRy and not yRx ('x is strictly socially preferred to y'), and xIy if xRy and yRx ('x and y are socially tied').

Science

SEP

Doping, for those who prefer their drug use to be strictly recreational, is "administering drugs to in order to inhibit or enhance sporting performance".

News & Media

Vice

Cellphones should be strictly forbidden.

Be strictly informal.

That is, either $i$ strictly prefers $x$ to $y$, or else $i$ is indifferent between them, finding them equally good.

Science

SEP

That is, whenever everyone strictly prefers one alternative to another, the social ordering that $f$ derives must agree.

Science

SEP
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be strictly preferred" to clearly communicate that one option is considered superior and should be chosen over others, especially in decision-making contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be strictly preferred" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "like better" or "prefer" in informal settings.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be strictly preferred." functions as a predicate adjective indicating a state of preference. It highlights that one option or alternative is regarded as superior or more desirable compared to others. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing the phrase commonly used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be strictly preferred." is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a definitive preference for one option over others. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability across various domains, particularly in science, news, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or professional settings where a clear, reasoned preference needs to be articulated. For casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "like better" are often more appropriate. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize that a choice is not just favored, but distinctly superior.

FAQs

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

You can use "be strictly preferred" to indicate a strong preference for one option over another. For example, "In this scenario, option A should "be strictly preferred." due to its higher efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "be strictly preferred"?

Alternatives include "be highly favored", "be decidedly preferred", or simply "be preferred", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be strictly preferred"?

It is appropriate in formal contexts, such as academic writing, business reports, or legal documents, where you need to clearly state that one option is superior to another. In casual conversations avoid it.

Is "be strictly preferred" the same as "be preferred"?

While both phrases indicate a preference, "be strictly preferred" implies a stronger, more definitive preference. It suggests that there is a clear and compelling reason why one option is better than the others.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: