developed a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'developed a preference for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the fact that someone has chosen to like something more than something else. For example: "After trying both types of ice cream, Sarah developed a preference for the mint chocolate chip flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 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

Nest box owners developed a preference for a chamber in which they previously heard male courtship song.

Behavioural Brain Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developed a preference for" when you want to emphasize that a liking or fondness has grown over time, rather than being immediate or innate.

Common error

Avoid using "developed a preference for" if the preference was immediate or sudden; instead, opt for phrases like "immediately liked" or "instantly favored" to better reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed a preference for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual formation of a liking or inclination towards something. Ludwig shows its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developed a preference for" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the gradual formation of a liking or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and academia. While alternatives like "acquired a taste for" or "grown fond of" exist, each carries slightly different connotations. Remember to consider the gradual nature of this phrase when choosing it for your writing. Use "developed a preference for" when the liking emerges over time rather than being instantaneous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivated a liking for

This suggests a gradual process of growing to enjoy something.

acquired a taste for

Implies that the preference was not initially present but was gained over time.

grown fond of

Indicates the development of affection or attachment.

formed a fondness towards

Emphasizes the creation of a feeling of affection.

established a liking towards

Highlights the act of setting up or creating a preference.

started to favor

Focuses on the beginning of a preference.

became partial to

Indicates a bias or inclination towards something.

taken a shine to

Suggests a sudden and strong liking.

inclined towards

Highlights the tendency or leaning towards something.

gravitated towards

Suggests a natural movement or attraction towards something.

FAQs

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

Use "developed a preference for" to indicate that someone has gradually started to like something more than something else. For example, "After trying both, she "developed a preference for" dark chocolate".

What's a simple way to say "developed a preference for"?

Alternatives include "started to like", "began to favor", or "grew fond of", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "developed a preference for" or "developed a liking for"?

Both phrases are correct, but "developed a preference for" is slightly more formal and emphasizes a conscious choice or inclination, while "developed a liking for" ("developed a liking for") suggests a more general enjoyment.

What is the difference between "developed a preference for" and "acquired a taste for"?

"Developed a preference for" is a general expression indicating a growing liking. "Acquired a taste for" ("acquired a taste for") usually suggests learning to appreciate something that was initially unappealing or unfamiliar.