express a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a choice or liking for one option over another. Example: "In the survey, many participants expressed a preference for online learning over traditional classroom settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When I say that I prefer pink to grey, however, I express a preference for a property that may be realised in an indefinite number of states of affairs.

SEP

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

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

The New York Times

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

"It's a hell of a race," said Nicholls, who has two live chances in Thursday's renewal and declined to express a preference for either.

The Guardian - Sport

The only right that most parents have is to express a preference for the school they would like their child to attend.

The Guardian - Opinion

Voters often express a preference for the checks and balances of divided government, with one party controlling the White House and the other Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

Another strategy has been for some European countries to express a preference for accepting Christian refugees over Muslims — effectively ruling out the majority of Syrian refugees.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express a preference for", ensure that the context clearly indicates the options from which the preference is being made. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Don't use "express a preference" without specifying what the preference is for. This can lead to confusion. Always clarify the object of the preference to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express a preference for" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate a deliberate communication of choice or inclination. It's a way of articulating one's preferred option among several possibilities. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express a preference for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a communicated choice or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It carries a neutral to professional tone and appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and business communications. When using this phrase, ensure the object of preference is clearly defined. Consider alternatives like "indicate a preference for" or "show a preference for" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicate a preference for

Replaces "express" with "indicate", focusing on showing rather than explicitly stating.

show a preference for

Substitutes "express" with "show", highlighting the demonstration of preference.

demonstrate a preference for

Replaces "express" with "demonstrate", suggesting a more overt display of preference.

voice a preference for

Replaces "express" with "voice", emphasizing the verbal communication of preference.

register a preference for

Substitutes "express" with "register", indicating a formal or official declaration of preference.

lean towards

A more informal alternative, suggesting a tendency or inclination.

favor

A concise verb that means to prefer or approve of.

have a liking for

Uses "liking" to indicate a positive sentiment and preference.

opt for

Indicates making a choice in favor of something.

be inclined to

Suggests a natural tendency or willingness towards something.

FAQs

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

You can use "express a preference for" to indicate a choice or liking for one option over another. For example, "Many consumers "express a preference for" organic products."

What are some alternatives to "express a preference for"?

Some alternatives include "indicate a preference for", "show a preference for", or simply "favor", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "express a preference for" or "prefer"?

"Express a preference for" can be considered slightly more formal than simply saying "prefer". The choice depends on the overall tone and register of your writing or speech.

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

"Express a preference for" implies actively stating or showing a choice, while "have a preference for" simply indicates that a preference exists, without necessarily making it known.