express a preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express a preference" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to state or communicate one's personal choice or liking for something. This phrase can be used in any context where someone is stating what they prefer or would like to have. Example: During the job interview, the candidate was asked to express a preference for their preferred work schedule.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Other studies the paper described found that people who filled out a survey with a green pen were more likely to express a preference for Gatorade, while those using an orange pen preferred orange soda.

The New York Times

All you have to do to express a preference is post in the comments below.

The Guardian - Books

I will not express a preference at this stage in the leadership race.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Arafat refused to express a preference for Mr. Barak or Mr. Sharon.

The New York Times

But he did not express a preference among the varieties of public options now under discussion.

The New York Times

Mr. Haldane was careful not to express a preference on how to address the issue.

The New York Times

But more than two in five nervously refused to express a preference; many may abstain through fear.

The Economist

Mr. Bush did not express a preference for either measure today but emphasized that it was important for the lawmakers to quickly come to agreement.

The New York Times

And get this: according to Rosin's book, 75% of couples in American fertility clinics now express a preference for a girl rather than a boy.

The Guardian - Opinion

IN New York or Los Angeles, fans of Japanese cuisine can rattle off orders for uni and o-toro, or urbanely express a preference for soba over udon.

The New York Times - Food

They had, perhaps, been able to express a preference for spots over stripes or wondered whether blue was more flattering than green.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express a preference", ensure the context clearly indicates the object or subject being preferred. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "express a preference" without specifying what the preference is for. For example, instead of saying "They expressed a preference", clarify with "They expressed a preference for the blue option".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express a preference" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate the act of communicating one's choice or liking towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express a preference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves the function of communicating one's choice or liking, and its purpose is to convey a particular inclination. The register is generally neutral, shifting from professional to informal based on context. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", it also surfaces in "Formal & Business" settings. For clarity, always specify the object of preference and consider alternatives like "indicate a preference" or "state a preference" for different tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicate a preference

Uses "indicate" which is a more formal synonym for "express".

state a preference

Employs "state", suggesting a more direct and formal declaration.

show a preference

Replaces "express" with "show", implying a preference revealed through actions or behavior rather than words.

voice a preference

Substitutes "express" with "voice", suggesting the preference is being spoken aloud.

register a preference

Uses "register", indicating a more formal or official declaration of preference.

communicate a preference

Replaces "express" with "communicate", suggesting a broader range of ways to convey the preference.

make a choice

Focuses on the act of choosing rather than explicitly stating a preference.

lean towards

Implies a tendency to favor something, less direct than expressing a clear preference.

favor

A more concise verb that means to prefer or approve of.

opt for

Suggests a deliberate choice from a set of options.

FAQs

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

You can use "express a preference" to indicate a choice or liking. For example, "Voters often "express a preference" for divided government" or "Customers can "express a preference" regarding delivery times".

What are some alternatives to "express a preference"?

Some alternatives include "indicate a preference", "state a preference", or "show a preference". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to "express a preference" or "state a preference"?

"Express a preference" is generally more common and neutral. "State a preference" implies a more formal and direct declaration. Choose the option that best fits the tone of your writing.

What does it mean to "express a preference for" something?

To "express a preference for" something means to communicate that you like or want that thing more than other options. It's a way of stating your choice or inclination.