expressed a preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed a preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone has stated their choice or liking for one option over others. Example: "During the meeting, she expressed a preference for the new marketing strategy over the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The PDA was preferred by 87.4% of the children who expressed a preference.

BMC Pediatrics

He hasn't expressed a preference to me".

The Guardian

He later expressed a preference for the term "cultural poetics".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neither Granderson nor Gardner expressed a preference on Sunday.

The New York Times

He expressed a preference for New York or Los Angeles.

The New York Times - Sports

"The mayor expressed a preference for us to stay downtown, but it was not a demand".

The New York Times

He has expressed a preference to be extradited to The Hague for trial.

The Guardian

"It's like 52% of people who expressed a preference want to leave the EU – 'off we go then'.

The Guardian

Potter said that a couple of players had expressed a preference for Wigan but they were comfortably outvoted.

The Guardian - Sport

Until Monday, though, Mr. Soros had not publicly expressed a preference for any of the nine Democrats running for president.

The New York Times

Many people in the City Opera audience expressed a preference for the "Tahiti" part of the equation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressed a preference", ensure the context clearly specifies what the preference is for. Be direct and avoid ambiguity to ensure clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "expressed a preference" without specifying the object or situation for which the preference was stated. Always clarify the preference to avoid confusion. Instead of "They expressed a preference", specify "They expressed a preference for option A over option B".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed a preference" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that an individual or group has made known their favored option among several possibilities. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains, affirming its role in conveying choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressed a preference" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that someone has stated their choice or liking for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-regarded in written English. It is most frequently found in news, media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the preference pertains to, avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives include "stated a liking", "indicated a choice" and "voiced a desire".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stated a liking

Emphasizes the act of declaring a fondness or taste.

indicated a choice

Focuses on the act of pointing out a selection from multiple options.

voiced a desire

Highlights the act of verbalizing a wish or want.

showed a proclivity

Implies a natural inclination or tendency toward something.

revealed an inclination

Suggests the uncovering of a leaning or tendency.

signified a favor

Stresses the act of making known an inclination or benefit.

communicated a bias

Indicates the passing on of a prejudice or leaning.

registered a vote

Places emphasis on the active vote that was submitted.

articulated a predilection

Predilection indicates stronger feeling than preference.

professed a penchant

A penchant is a fondness or affection that is sometimes secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "expressed a preference" to indicate that someone has stated their choice or liking for something. For example, "The client "expressed a preference" for the blue design over the red one."

What are some alternatives to "expressed a preference"?

Alternatives include "stated a liking", "indicated a choice", or "voiced a desire". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "expressed a preference" or "indicated a preference"?

"Expressed a preference" and "indicated a preference" are both correct and often interchangeable. "Expressed" suggests a more direct statement, while "indicated" can imply a more subtle conveyance of preference.

What's the difference between "expressed a preference" and "expressed a desire"?

"Expressed a preference" implies a choice between options, whereas "expressed a desire" suggests a longing or wish for something, not necessarily involving a choice. For example, someone might "expressed a preference" for tea over coffee, but "expressed a desire" for world peace.