clear preference

USAGE SUMMARY

'clear preference' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have a strong preference for something. For example, "I have a clear preference for summer over winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amongst all voters, there was a clear preference for Labour.

The Guardian

"There is a clear preference to tap the market.

The Guardian - Business

No clear preference for a reference code is established.

Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation Proceedings of the International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation 2–4 April 2001, Cape Town, South Africa

As expected, P-units exhibited a clear preference for encoding amplitude modulations, whereas T-units exhibited a clear preference for encoding phase modulations.

Yale University

Among those who encourage continued activism, Mr. Bush has been a clear preference over Mr. McCain.

The New York Times

But it expressed a clear preference for the trade center site.

The New York Times - Arts

"We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump.

The New Yorker

Starting from the ground up implies a clear preference for experience over dogma.

The New Yorker

Commonwealth (colonialism) long ago ceased to be the clear preference of the people.

The New York Times

In June, the Russian government adopted "a clear preference" for Trump, according to the report.

The New Yorker

The baby shows a clear preference for a primary caregiver and some wariness toward strangers.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear preference", ensure that the context provides enough information to understand what the preference is for. Be specific about the object or action being preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "clear preference" when the preference is merely a slight tendency or inclination. The phrase implies a strong and easily observable favoritism; using it for minor preferences can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear preference" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a distinct and easily recognizable favor or choice, as evidenced by Ludwig, which indicates it's a common way to express a definite inclination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear preference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to express a strong inclination or choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. Related phrases such as "strong inclination" and "decided liking" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes the preference obvious and avoid using it for minor inclinations. Overall, it's a reliable and versatile phrase for expressing distinct favoritism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strong inclination

Focuses more on the internal feeling of leaning towards something.

Decided liking

Emphasizes the positive feeling associated with the preference.

Marked predilection

More formal and emphasizes a pre-existing bias or tendency.

Distinct favoritism

Highlights the act of favoring one option over others.

Obvious choice

Suggests the preference is easily discernible or predictable.

Unequivocal desire

Stresses the certainty and lack of ambiguity in the preference.

Resolute selection

Implies a firm and determined decision in choosing something.

Pronounced leaning

Highlights the direction or tendency towards a specific option.

Definite inclination

Similar to inclination, but with an emphasis on being 'definite'.

Strong bias

Indicates a leaning that might be considered unfair, even if unintentional.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear preference" to indicate a strong inclination towards something. For example, "The data shows a "clear preference" for renewable energy sources" or "The candidate expressed a "clear preference" for tax cuts".

What are some alternatives to "clear preference"?

Some alternatives include "strong inclination", "decided liking", or "marked predilection". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very clear preference"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "very clear preference" can be redundant. The word "clear" already implies a high degree of certainty and obviousness, so adding "very" doesn't significantly strengthen the meaning.

What's the difference between "clear preference" and "slight preference"?

"Clear preference" indicates a strong and easily noticeable inclination, while "slight preference" suggests a mild or subtle inclination. The choice depends on the strength of the inclination you want to convey.