give preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give preference" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when there is a choice between two or more options and you would like to indicate that you prefer one of those options. For example, "When ordering dinner, I usually give preference to the grilled chicken dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Courses ending in N give preference to freshmen; courses ending in Q give preference to sophomores.

Stanford University

They tend to give preference to women, he said.

The New York Times

(He does give preference to one group: orphans).

The New York Times

They give preference to people who are bleeding, who are near death, he said.

The New York Times - Health

Several dozen cleaning contractors also agreed to give preference to those janitors in future hiring.

The New York Times

Several dozen cleaning contractors also agreed to give preference to laid-off janitors in future hiring.

The New York Times

The guidelines for the guarantees give preference to applicants that obtain concessions from creditors and employees.

The New York Times

"We are a Catholic school, and we give preference to Catholics.

The New York Times

The final statement said: "We agree to give preference to voluntary return".

The Guardian

Voluntary and public bodies might want to give preference to social enterprises.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although we sometimes consider submissions received after that deadline, we give preference to those received first.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give preference", clearly state the criteria or reasons behind the prioritization to avoid ambiguity and ensure transparency.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who is "giving preference". Instead of "Preference is given to...", write "The committee will give preference to..." for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give preference" functions as a verb phrase used to express a deliberate act of favoring one option over others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give preference" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express prioritization or favoritism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. When using "give preference", ensure clarity by stating the reasons for prioritization and avoiding passive voice. Consider alternatives like "prioritize" or "favor" depending on the specific context. While generally neutral to formal, its professional tone makes it suitable for official communication. Remember to clearly articulate the criteria for preference to maintain transparency and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give priority to

Focuses on the importance of something before others.

prefer

A simpler, direct synonym for liking something more.

prioritize

A more concise way to say to give something precedence.

put first

Emphasizes the order of importance.

favor

Implies a more subjective choice of liking one option more.

value more

Highlights the higher value placed on something.

opt for

Highlights the act of choosing a preferred option.

treat preferentially

Focuses on the action of treating something differently and better.

show partiality towards

Suggests a bias in favor of something.

lean towards

Indicates a tendency to prefer without explicit action.

FAQs

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

You can use "give preference" to indicate that you favor one option over others. For example, "The hiring manager will give preference to candidates with relevant experience."

What are some alternatives to "give preference"?

Alternatives include "prioritize", "favor", or "give priority to", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "give preference to" or "prefer"?

"Give preference to" is more formal and emphasizes the act of choosing one option over others based on specific criteria. "Prefer" is a simpler and more general term for liking something more.

What's the difference between "give preference" and "show partiality"?

"Give preference" suggests a reasoned choice based on defined criteria. "Show partiality" indicates a bias or favoritism that may not be entirely objective.