generally preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is favored or more commonly chosen over other options in a general context. Example: "In most cases, a digital format is generally preferred for submitting reports."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a chemotherapy regimen for the general population, XELOX was generally preferred over FOLFOX4.

British Journal of Cancer

"And we generally preferred not to know.

The Guardian

Iron is generally preferred, the parts joined by welding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Brachytherapy — the insertion of radioactive seeds — was generally preferred to external beam radiation.

The New York Times - Health

Men generally preferred wetter kisses than women and enjoyed more tongue contact and open mouths.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The women generally preferred deeper "masculinised" voices to the higher-pitched, more "feminine" recordings.

The Guardian

Anyone with a contact in another country generally preferred not to advertise it.

The New Yorker

They generally preferred big, new, national institutions to small, traditional, local ones.

The New Yorker

He's generally preferred to Javier Hernández, the country's all-time top goalscorer, these days.

The Guardian - Sport

For larger-size bores of short to moderate length, trucks are generally preferred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the war and interregnum, royalists and peacemakers generally preferred to forget him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally preferred" to indicate a common choice or preference without implying that it is the only acceptable option.

Common error

Avoid using "generally preferred" when describing a situation where there is a mandatory or universally accepted standard. Use stronger language like "required" or "essential" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally preferred" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something is typically or commonly chosen or favored over other options. As Ludwig AI suggests, it points towards a widespread preference rather than an absolute necessity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally preferred" is a versatile term used to indicate a common choice or preference, without suggesting it's the only option. It's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, notably in scientific, news, and encyclopedia articles. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a suitable way to express a prevalent tendency, offering a balanced perspective. While using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating the preference and consider whether it truly reflects a widespread inclination or if stronger language is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typically favored

Replaces "preferred" with "favored", suggesting a tendency towards something.

commonly chosen

Substitutes "preferred" with "chosen", emphasizing selection by a group.

usually selected

Uses "selected" instead of "preferred", highlighting the act of choosing something most of the times.

widely adopted

Replaces "preferred" with "adopted", suggesting widespread acceptance and use.

frequently used

Shifts the focus to usage rather than preference, implying common application.

largely favored

Replaces "generally" with "largely", emphasizing the extent of preference.

ordinarily selected

Uses "ordinarily" to convey typical selection.

customarily adopted

Substitutes "generally" with "customarily", suggesting adherence to established practice.

commonly utilized

Employs "utilized" to indicate common usage in practical contexts.

mainly implemented

Focuses on implementation, suggesting a primary choice in application.

FAQs

How can I use "generally preferred" in a sentence?

You can use "generally preferred" to indicate that something is favored or more commonly chosen over other options. For example: "In this study, method A was "generally preferred" over method B due to its efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "generally preferred"?

Some alternatives include "typically favored", "commonly chosen", or "usually selected". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "generally preferred" in formal writing?

Yes, "generally preferred" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral and professional way to express a common preference or practice. However, always consider the context and audience to ensure it fits the tone.

What's the difference between "generally preferred" and "universally preferred"?

"Generally preferred" implies a common but not absolute preference, while "universally preferred" indicates that something is favored by everyone in all situations. If something is truly universally preferred, it leaves no room for exceptions or alternatives.