favoured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "favoured" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is preferred or has received special treatment or support. Example: "She was favoured by her teachers for her exceptional talent in art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inside the country, Fidesz has favoured the middle class, and especially the upper middle class, thereby building a core clientele of politically active supporters – while slashing benefits for the neediest (about a third of Hungarians live in poverty – don't be fooled by the glittering, EU-funded projects in the centre of Budapest).

The Guardian - Opinion

He was afraid that independence would lose, while devo max – just a few inches short of full independence – was clearly favoured in opinion polls.

The Guardian

Authentic Devonian is nothing like the conventional Mummerset drone favoured by stand-up comics and the Wurzels.

The Guardian

The ComRes survey for ITV London News published at the end of March found that 49% of female Londoners said they were likely to vote Labour compared with just 28% who favoured the Conservatives.

The Guardian

They all shared a guitar as children, although Louis moved to bass in 1961 after being smitten by the guitarrón, a large acoustic bass favoured by mariachi bands, which he had heard being played in a shopping arcade in LA.

The Guardian - Music

She has a constitutional role to play, but you don't want anyone to be in a world where they might say afterwards: well, the Queen favoured this party or that party, or that particular type of solution rather than this solution".

The Guardian

Ex-Ukip insiders have also raised concerns that the party favoured wealthy MEP candidates before this month's European elections.

The Guardian

Minister after minister – people I hadn't had time to lobby, whose views I wouldn't have guessed – spoke up and favoured a yes vote or abstention.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the cold reality is that brinkmanship always favoured the creditors.

The Guardian - Business

But excluding this relief, aid flows to the world's poorest countries still fell by 8% as donors favoured loans to middle-income states, the OECD said.

The Guardian

Would-be guests apply through a closed Facebook group in which they impose a "face control" policy favoured by the city's bouncers: if you don't have the right style or attitude you don't get an invite to dinner.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "favoured" to indicate a deliberate choice or preference, often highlighting special treatment or advantage. For example, "The policy favoured small businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "favoured" when a simple description of equality or impartiality is needed. Using "favoured" implies a bias or preference, which can be inappropriate if neutrality is intended.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "favoured" is as a verb in the past tense or as a past participle, often used to describe something that has been given preference or advantage. It can also function as an adjective, describing something that is regarded with partiality. Ludwig AI analysis and examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Politics

20%

Music

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "favoured" is commonly used to indicate preference or special treatment. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it functions both as a verb and an adjective, appearing frequently in contexts like News & Media, Politics, and Music. While grammatically correct, it's important to use "favoured" appropriately, ensuring the context aligns with its implication of bias or preference. Alternatives like "preferred" and "supported" can offer more neutral options. Therefore, consider the nuance you wish to convey when using "favoured" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferred

Indicates a selection based on personal taste or suitability.

supported

Highlights active assistance or endorsement.

regarded highly

Emphasizes the positive opinion held by others.

well-liked

Focuses on general affection or popularity.

held in esteem

Suggests a formal and respectful appreciation.

given preference

Explicitly states the act of choosing one over others.

shown partiality

Implies a bias or inclination towards one side.

looked upon favorably

Describes a positive assessment or outlook.

had a soft spot for

Indicates an affectionate or lenient attitude.

selected

Implies a choice made from a range of options.

FAQs

How can I use "favoured" in a sentence?

You can use "favoured" to indicate that someone or something is preferred or given special treatment. For example, "The new regulations "favoured local businesses" over international corporations."

What are some alternatives to the word "favoured"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "preferred", "supported", or "endorsed" as substitutes for "favoured".

Is "favoured" the same as "favorite"?

"Favoured" implies preference or advantage, whereas "favorite" indicates personal liking. You might say a team is "favoured" to win, but a song is your "favorite".

Which is correct, "favoured" or "preferred"?

Both "favoured" and "preferred" are correct, but "favoured" often suggests an element of bias or special treatment, while "preferred" is a more neutral expression of choice.