develop a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express a preference for something that has recently been acquired or acquired gradually. For example, "She developed a preference for the white chocolate truffles over the dark ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

However, as individual bees increasingly experience the treated food they develop a preference for it.

The Guardian

By six months, though, they develop a preference for the novel rather than familiar things.

The Economist

If you develop a preference for green plantains, just keep them in the refrigerator; ripening can be retarded for weeks with no loss of quality.

The New York Times

As they mature, they leave off the shenanigans and develop a preference for contests of merit and chance, which provide the "pure equality denied (us) in real life".

The New Yorker

Assuming these individuals were not hardcore creationists, it really ought to have occurred to them that humans evolved brains big enough to let them develop a preference for wearing shoes that protect their feet from hard, pointy surfaces.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When this relationship is generalized to organizations, individuals will develop a preference for benevolent leadership.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"They've developed a preference for the taste and smell of fruit that's turned".

The New York Times - Science

The mandarins in Bangkok seem to have developed a preference for half-truths to harsh truths.

The Economist

Over the years, Mr. Top has developed a preference for bold, imposing pieces.

The New York Times

The Court had developed a preference for a supply side equity risk premiums (ERP) rather than an historical ERP.

Harvard University

America's love affair with wine deepened in the early 1990s, when many people developed a preference for high-end wines and started ordering directly from producers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop a preference for", consider the context. Use it when the preference arises gradually over time, not instantaneously.

Common error

Avoid using "develop a preference for" when describing inherent tastes or predispositions. This phrase is best suited for preferences that evolve over time through experience or exposure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a preference for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual formation or acquisition of a liking or inclination towards something. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various domains to describe evolving tastes and choices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a preference for" is a versatile expression used to describe the gradual formation of a liking or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in diverse contexts, ranging from scientific studies to news reports. Common alternatives include "acquire a taste for" and "grow fond of", each offering subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, consider whether the preference is truly evolving over time, as opposed to being innate. Its frequency is common, supported by examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, showcasing its relevance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate a liking for

Emphasizes the deliberate effort in fostering a preference.

acquire a taste for

Suggests a preference that is formed through experience.

grow fond of

Highlights the emotional aspect of developing a preference.

become partial to

Indicates a bias or inclination toward something.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural movement or inclination.

favor increasingly

Focuses on the increasing tendency to choose or support something.

incline towards

Suggests a leaning or tendency.

embrace a liking for

Highlights the acceptance and enjoyment of something.

establish a fondness for

Refers to a preference that has been firmly created.

form an affinity for

Implies a natural connection or liking.

FAQs

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

Use "develop a preference for" to describe a gradual liking or inclination towards something. For example: "After repeated exposure, he "developed a preference for" classical music".

What's a good alternative to "develop a preference for"?

Alternatives include "acquire a taste for", "grow fond of", or "become partial to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "develop a strong preference for"?

Yes, it is correct. Adding "strong" simply emphasizes the intensity of the preference that has developed.

What's the difference between "develop a preference for" and "have a preference for"?

"Develop a preference for" suggests the preference has emerged over time, while "have a preference for" implies a current state, regardless of how the preference originated. For example, a person might "develop a preference for" tea after trying it regularly, and then "have a preference for" it over coffee.