decreasing order of preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decreasing order of preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when ranking items or choices from most preferred to least preferred. Example: "Please list your favorite movies in decreasing order of preference, starting with the one you like the most."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In each session, capuchins faced choices between different quantities of three foods, labeled A, B and C in decreasing order of preference.

Plosone

Then, in the Food condition, preference transitivity was tested by presenting capuchins with binary choices between different quantities of the three foods, labeled A, B and C in decreasing order of preference (Table 1, Video S1, S2, S3, S4).

Plosone

In this task, participants were initially asked to sort a set of prizes and to rank-order them in decreasing order of preference (e.g., from attractive tambourines to bottle caps).

Plosone

Finally, in the Token condition, preference transitivity was tested by presenting capuchins with binary choices between different quantities of the three tokens, labeled A, B and C in decreasing order of preference (Table 1, Video S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10).

Plosone

If the last spouse was not available, a previous spouse, a descendant, a sibling, another relative, a neighbor, or a friend was selected in decreasing order of preference.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The currently recommended first-line regimens, in decreasing order of preference, are: TDF-3TC-EFV, or TDF-3TC-NVP, or AZT-3TC-EFV, or AZT-3TC-NVP.

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

These preferences are used to create network nodes in decreasing order of priority.

BMC Genomics

The three levels, in increasing order of ability and decreasing order of visibility, is: the amateurs.

The Guardian - Tech

This allows ordering of diagnoses by decreasing order of effects.

BMC Health Services Research

†Presented in decreasing order of absolute magnitude.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

In Wales, parents give their preferred schools in order of preference.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing items according to "decreasing order of preference", ensure the criteria for preference are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether preference is based on cost, efficiency, or personal taste.

Common error

Avoid switching the basis for 'preference' mid-list. If the initial ordering is based on cost, maintain that criterion throughout, rather than shifting to factors like availability or personal opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decreasing order of preference" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb by specifying the manner in which something is arranged or presented. Ludwig shows that it specifies how items are organized based on subjective prioritization.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decreasing order of preference" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a ranking from most to least favored. As verified by Ludwig, its frequency of usage is considered uncommon but appears across diverse sources such as Science and News & Media. It's important when using this phrase to maintain a consistent criteria of preference to avoid potential confusion. Ludwig confirms that alternatives such as "descending order of preference" or "ranked from most to least preferred" can be employed depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descending preference order

Reorders the words while retaining the core meaning, implying a list from most to least preferred.

ranked by decreasing preference

Changes the structure to a passive voice, emphasizing the ranking process based on preference.

ordered from most to least preferred

Uses a more descriptive phrase, clarifying the direction of the ordering.

prioritized by preference (highest to lowest)

Emphasizes the prioritization aspect, specifying the direction from highest to lowest preference.

in inverse order of desirability

Uses "desirability" as a synonym for preference, and 'inverse order' to mean decreasing.

according to descending levels of preference

Replaces "order" with "levels", adding a degree of gradation, while keeping the descending structure.

arranged in diminishing preference

Substitutes "decreasing" with "diminishing", focusing on the reduction in preference.

with preference declining from top to bottom

Describes the declining preference in a spatial manner, from top to bottom.

preference hierarchy (highest first)

Condenses the phrase into a noun phrase, specifying the hierarchy and its direction.

preference ranking (best to worst)

Expresses the concept of ranking, clarifying it goes from the best option to the worst.

FAQs

How can I use "decreasing order of preference" in a sentence?

You can use "decreasing order of preference" to describe a list or ranking where items are arranged from the most preferred to the least preferred. For example, "The foods were presented in "decreasing order of preference" during the taste test."

What's a good alternative to "decreasing order of preference"?

Alternatives include "descending order of preference", "ranked from most to least preferred", or "ordered by preference from highest to lowest". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "declining order of preference"?

Yes, "declining order of preference" is a valid alternative, although "decreasing" and "descending" are more commonly used. Declining suggests a gradual reduction in preference.

What is the difference between "order of preference" and "decreasing order of preference"?

"Order of preference" simply indicates that items are ranked according to preference, without specifying the direction. "Decreasing order of preference" explicitly states that the ranking goes from the most preferred item to the least preferred.