by preference

USAGE SUMMARY

"by preference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is preferred or desired over something else. For example, "I prefer to travel by train by preference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not deny that, by preference, he would prefer to return to England.

The New York Times - Sports

By preference, they live in brackish swamps.

The Economist

Parents are allowed to choose as many as six schools, ordered by preference.

The Washington Post

Each charge merits analysis un prejudiced by preference for or against the war.

The New York Times

He's "English by birth, Indian by adoption, and Rajasthani by preference," as he likes to say.

The New York Times

His logic suggests that Americans might sort themselves by preference for various levels of government intervention.

The Economist

Here are three footballing parallels which suggest that depressingly/ inevitably/obviously (delete by preference) the answer is yes.

The Guardian

Ride, by preference, quite alone, and ride as if your very life depended upon immediate arrival at your goal.

The New Yorker

"I know realistically and also by preference that I wouldn't want to practice medicine until I'm 90," she said.

The New York Times

Not by design but perhaps by preference, the Giants' passing game was drifted to the edges of the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead of casting a ballot for a single candidate, the voter ranks all of the candidates by preference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by preference" to clearly indicate a chosen method, option, or course of action when there are alternatives. It adds a layer of intentionality to your writing.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "by preference" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "preferably", "ideally", or "by choice" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by preference" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI points out, it communicates that something is done according to one's liking or choice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by preference" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express a favored choice or method. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, and it enjoys common usage across varied contexts, including news, science, and business. While its formality is generally neutral, it is important to vary language and not overuse the expression for better clarity and reader engagement. When writing, consider alternatives like "preferably" or "ideally", depending on the nuance you want to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can effectively incorporate "by preference" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferably

Directly indicates a favored option, similar to "by preference".

by choice

Highlights the selection aspect of the phrase.

as a first choice

Emphasizes the priority of the favored option.

ideally

Focuses on the best-case scenario or desired outcome, rather than a specific choice.

ideally speaking

Highlights a theoretical or desired scenario, similar to the ideal aspect of "by preference".

rather

Indicates choosing one option over another.

if possible

Indicates a conditional preference, suggesting it depends on circumstances.

if feasible

Highlights the practicality of the preference

as a matter of priority

Stresses that there is a hierarchical order and the thing to do is based on a selection.

on purpose

Highlights the intentional nature of the action taken based on the preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "by preference" to indicate a favored option or method. For example, "I travel by train, "by preference", because it's more relaxing."

What's a good substitute for "by preference"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "preferably", "ideally", or "by choice" can be used in place of "by preference".

Is it correct to say "by my preference"?

While understandable, "by preference" is generally used without the possessive pronoun "my". Using "by my preference" is less common and can sound awkward.

What is the difference between "by preference" and "out of necessity"?

"By preference" implies a choice based on what is liked or favored, while "out of necessity" suggests a choice made due to a lack of alternatives or pressing circumstances.