certain preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a specific inclination or liking towards something. Example: "The study revealed a certain preference for organic foods among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The scarcity of Latin translations of Alexander's commentaries suggests a certain preference for the interpretation of the later, Neoplatonist, commentators.

SEP

A factor of particular importance is whether the company employs already-trained and suitably qualified skilled workers from the intermediate qualification segment and whether this choice results in a certain preference for IVET.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

For instance, Italian parents seem to be more (negatively) affected by the empty nest syndrome than their French counterparts (Mazzuco 2006) and to show a certain preference for co-residence (Manacorda and Moretti 2006).

Genus

Despite the fact that the ability to oxidize linear ketones is not exclusively limited to enzymes of this clade, a certain preference for them could be a common feature of these BVMOs.

AMB Express

Also, plateau goats from Andremba showed a certain preference for cultivated and abandoned cropland and the settlement area throughout the year, which is indicated by the high proportion of feeding time spent on these LCC as compared to the proportion of total time spent on the respective LCC.

Pastoralism

Other than Type IIG REases, there are reports of incomplete specificity changes with certain preference for one particular sequence.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Americans just have some certain preferences for the way residential settlements ought to look," Peter Groffman, a microbial ecologist with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y., recently told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Farmers as consumers may have certain preferences for some crops over others.

Agricultural and Food Economics

The program is open to families in and out of Glendale Unified, with certain preferences for families with students at the school or for families who live near the campus.

Los Angeles Times

People with intellectual disability (ID) expressed dissatisfaction with doctor-patient communication and mentioned certain preferences for this communication (our research).

BMC Family Practice

Nonetheless, the use of qualitative methods has enabled us to obtain a better understanding of the reasons why service users and health professionals hold certain preferences for care delivery.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain preference for" to introduce a specific and notable inclination. This emphasizes that the preference is not just any preference, but one that is distinct and worthy of note.

Common error

Avoid using "certain preference for" when the preference is weak or unsubstantiated. Reserve it for situations where the preference is significant and evident. Overusing it can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain preference for" functions as a noun phrase indicating a specific inclination or liking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, such as expressing a preference for certain interpretations, technologies, or types of care.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain preference for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a specific inclination or liking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to communicate a particular bias or tendency and carries a neutral to formal tone. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it emphasizes that the preference isn't just any preference but is distinct and notable. When using this phrase, it is best practice to ensure the object of preference is clearly defined and to use the phrase when the preference is truly significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct liking for

Replaces "preference" with "liking" and "certain" with "distinct", suggesting a clear and noticeable fondness.

marked inclination toward

Substitutes "preference" with "inclination" and "certain" with "marked", indicating a noticeable tendency.

decided favoritism for

Replaces "preference" with "favoritism" and "certain" with "decided", highlighting a clear bias.

particular penchant for

Uses "penchant" instead of "preference" and "particular" instead of "certain", conveying a specific and strong liking.

noticeable leaning towards

Replaces the noun "preference" with a verb phrase "leaning towards", suggesting an inclination rather than a choice.

clear partiality to

Uses "partiality" instead of "preference" and "clear" instead of "certain", suggesting a lack of impartiality.

definite bias in favor of

Expresses the idea of "preference" as a "bias", suggesting a potentially unfair leaning.

specific affinity for

Substitutes "preference" with "affinity" and "certain" with "specific", indicating a natural liking or connection.

predilection for

A more formal synonym for preference, indicating a pre-existing liking.

proclivity for

Emphasizes a natural or habitual inclination toward something.

FAQs

How can I use "certain preference for" in a sentence?

You can use "certain preference for" to indicate a specific liking or inclination towards something. For example, "The data showed a certain preference for online shopping among younger consumers".

What are some alternatives to "certain preference for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "distinct liking for", "marked inclination toward", or "particular penchant for" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "certain preference of" or "certain preference for"?

"Certain preference for" is the correct and more commonly used phrasing. The preposition "for" indicates the object or area towards which the preference is directed.

When is it best to use "certain preference for" instead of just "preference for"?

Use "certain preference for" when you want to emphasize that the preference is noteworthy, clear, or has been confirmed by evidence. It adds a degree of emphasis compared to simply saying "preference for".