by predilection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by predilection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preference or inclination towards something. Example: "She chose to pursue a career in art by predilection, as she had always been drawn to creative expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Now Grady Phelan, a graphic designer by trade and an inventor by predilection, has created a bat with a different look.

The New York Times - Sports

Borges, by predilection and by program, carries these inklings toward a logical extreme: the view of books as, in sum, an alternate creation, vast, accessible, highly colored, rich in arcana, possibly sacred.

The New Yorker

The Muslim League and its president, Jinnah, did not join in the Pakistan demand until after the league's famous Lahore meeting in March 1940, as Jinnah, a secular constitutionalist by predilection and training, continued to hope for a reconciliation with the Congress Party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chronic inflammatory disease is characterised by predilection for certain sites, the molecular basis of which remains obscure.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He sought to ensure that the new party fully supported free-market economics and was not encumbered by predilections for controversial policies, such as wage and price controls, to reduce unemployment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This particular period in Tintoretto's career marked by greater vivacity of colour, by a predilection for a variegated perspective, and by a highly decorative quality coincided with his growing admiration for the art of Paolo Veronese, who had been working in the Doges' Palace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were distinguished by their scrupulous fulfillment of the injunctions of the Qurʾān and tradition, by many acts of piety, and especially by a predilection for night prayers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his memoirs, Symonds identifies as a Mittel-Urning, who is drawn to "the male sex during the period of adolescence and early manhood; [and] who is not marked either by an effeminate passion for robust adults [Weibling] or by a predilection for young boys [Mannling]".

English Studies

And everything that Orwell wrote was inflected by his predilection for the worm's-eye view.

The New Yorker

Her memoir details her sex life, from masturbation as a child to an adulthood where she was propelled by a predilection for group sex.

The Guardian - Books

Though punctuated by Wenders' predilection for long overcoat hipsterism – notably a live-concert scene featuring Nick Cave – Wings of Desire remains a serious, absorbing, brilliant film.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by predilection" to clearly indicate that a choice or characteristic is due to a natural liking or preference, rather than external factors or necessity. For example: "He approached the task with enthusiasm, driven by predilection for problem-solving."

Common error

Avoid using "by predilection" when you mean "a predilection for". "By predilection" describes how something is done or why a choice is made, while "a predilection for" describes the preference itself. For instance, say "He chose it by predilection" not "He has by predilection for it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by predilection" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the reason or motivation behind an action. Ludwig's examples illustrate how it specifies that something is done because of a personal preference or natural liking.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by predilection" serves to denote that something is done or chosen because of a natural liking or preference. Ludwig AI considers this phrase grammatically correct, although its occurrence is relatively rare. It is often found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, giving it a formal and neutral tone. To avoid common errors, ensure that "by predilection" is not confused with "a predilection for", as the former modifies verbs, indicating how something is done, while the latter describes the preference itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of preference

Indicates a choice driven by personal liking rather than necessity or obligation; direct replacement.

by choice

Highlights that the decision was voluntary and based on personal selection, close to the original meaning.

through inclination

Suggests a natural tendency or leaning towards something, emphasizing internal drive.

from personal liking

Emphasizes the role of personal taste and enjoyment in the decision.

as a matter of taste

Highlights the subjective nature of the decision, rooted in individual preferences.

owing to fondness

Emphasizes affection or strong liking as the reason behind the choice.

due to proclivity

Indicates a natural or habitual inclination, somewhat more formal.

by natural tendency

Suggests an inherent disposition or leaning, emphasizing innate qualities.

on account of partiality

Highlights a bias or favoritism towards something.

from a leaning toward

Suggests a subtle inclination or preference, not necessarily a strong conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "by predilection" in a sentence?

"By predilection" indicates that something is done due to a natural liking or preference. For example, "She pursued painting as a career "by predilection", drawn to its creative expression."

What's a simpler way to say "by predilection"?

You can replace "by predilection" with alternatives such as "out of preference", "by choice", or "through inclination" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "He has a by predilection for"?

No, the correct usage is "He has a predilection for" or "He did it by predilection". The phrase "by predilection" describes how something is done, whereas "a predilection for" describes the preference itself.

What is the difference between "by predilection" and "with a predilection for"?

"By predilection" signifies that an action or choice stems from a natural liking, while "with a predilection for" means having a preference or inclination towards something. For example, you might choose a job "by predilection" if you have an attitude "with a predilection for" independence.