boils down to preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boils down to preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or decision that ultimately depends on individual choices or tastes. Example: "When it comes to choosing a vacation destination, it really boils down to preference; some people love the beach while others prefer the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To Hoch, it boils down to personal preference.

The New York Times - Sports

That error boils down to a preference for the traditionalist worldview, which sees existence as complete, ordered, and in harmony with unchanging divine purpose, over what might be called the historical worldview, which assumes change, contingency, and randomness — all the lessons of evolution.

The New Yorker

The reason boils down to a preference for focusing on the positive competency development—and not addressing the negative fixing issues that may lead to derailment.

Forbes

But his identification with Detroiters is pretty awkward, and his problem with how the intervention was handled really boils down to his preference for moneyed elites over Detroit's auto workers.

Huffington Post

Choose perk 1. Perk 1 really boils down to personal preference.

WikiHow

"There are a trillion products out there," said Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale. "You can take that low dose many different ways, and ultimately it boils down to personal preferences".

The New York Times

Sometimes the decision just boils down to the personal preference of the candidate, no matter what the wonky vote-predictors tell them they should do.

Huffington Post

Still, despite skyrocketing increases in automated tills around the developed world, customer preference still boils down to the individual customer.

BBC

If you face judgmental colleagues, remember the words of Guardian user "Rhodian Dawson": "Regardless of who you are and what your sexual preferences are, it ultimately boils down to character, competence and trustworthiness".

The Guardian

It boils down to culture.

The New York Times

It boils down to manners".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boils down to preference" when you want to emphasize that the final decision or outcome is based on personal taste, choice, or opinion, rather than objective criteria.

Common error

While acceptable, "boils down to preference" is somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "depends on individual choice" or "is a matter of personal opinion" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boils down to preference" functions as an idiom indicating that the core issue or deciding factor ultimately depends on subjective taste or personal choice. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "boils down to preference" is a correct and usable expression in English, according to Ludwig. It is used to convey that a decision or outcome ultimately depends on individual taste or choice, rather than objective criteria. While its register is generally neutral, it leans slightly towards the informal, making it suitable for news, media, and general conversation. When writing formally, you might consider alternatives like "depends on individual choice" or "is a matter of personal opinion". The frequency of this phrase is uncommon, and Ludwig provides examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Forbes, illustrating its real-world application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comes down to personal taste

Focuses specifically on taste as the deciding factor.

Rests on individual choice

Emphasizes the freedom and agency of the individual making the decision.

Is a matter of personal opinion

Highlights the subjective nature of the decision.

Depends on subjective judgment

Highlights the role of subjective assessment in reaching a decision.

Is contingent on personal inclination

Emphasizes a predisposition or tendency influencing the choice.

Is a question of individual liking

Specifically addresses personal enjoyment or fondness as the key element.

Hinges on personal disposition

Highlights the inherent qualities or character influencing the choice.

Turns on personal viewpoint

Suggests the importance of someone's unique perspective.

Revolves around individual predilection

Indicates a pre-existing favor or bias affecting the decision.

Reduces to subjective selection

Highlights the simplification of the choice to a personal pick.

FAQs

What does "boils down to preference" mean?

It means that the ultimate decision or outcome is determined by individual tastes, choices, or opinions, rather than objective factors.

How can I use "boils down to preference" in a sentence?

You might say, "Choosing between these two options really "comes down to preference"."

What are some alternatives to "boils down to preference"?

Alternatives include "comes down to personal taste", "depends on personal opinion", or "is a matter of taste".

Is "boils down to preference" formal or informal?

It leans towards the informal side. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal options may be preferable in professional writing.