given preferential treatment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given preferential treatment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is receiving advantages or privileges over others. Example: "In this organization, certain employees are given preferential treatment when it comes to promotions and bonuses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They aren't given preferential treatment," he said.

The New Yorker

Within each band, minority candidates are given preferential treatment.

The Economist

He denied accusations that Mr. Hutomo had been given preferential treatment.

The New York Times

But experience in Italy shows that local companies and banks are often given preferential treatment.

The New York Times

Many investors are concerned that Italian banks will be given preferential treatment in the bankruptcy process.

The New York Times

The Duke documents say the company should be given preferential treatment for its conciliatory stance.

The New York Times

But the NHS, day-to-day spending in schools, and overseas aid were given preferential treatment.

The Guardian

"The lenders in Greece and abroad are being given preferential treatment over the Greek people".

The Guardian

Two senators have argued that big corporations are being given preferential treatment compared with pass-throughs.

The New York Times

The Conservatives urged Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, to address suggestions that the company had been given preferential treatment.

The Guardian

And when there is a breach of team rules, they know a star will not be given preferential treatment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like affirmative action or discrimination, use "given preferential treatment" carefully and provide context to avoid misinterpretations. Be specific about the nature of the treatment and the reasons behind it.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "preferential treatment" is always unfair or unethical. The context is crucial. Sometimes it's justified (e.g., medical emergencies); other times, it's discriminatory. Always evaluate the situation critically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given preferential treatment" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of advantages or special considerations. It highlights the action of providing preferential treatment rather than the actor. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "given preferential treatment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where someone or something receives advantages or special considerations. According to Ludwig, its meaning is readily understood and accepted across various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, formal business settings, and academic discussions. While grammatically sound, it's essential to use the phrase carefully, acknowledging its potential for conveying bias or inequality. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received special treatment

Emphasizes the act of receiving, highlighting that the treatment was indeed special.

afforded preferential treatment

Suggests a more formal or official granting of the treatment.

treated with preference

Highlights the act of treating someone in a preferred way.

granted privileged status

Focuses on the status or position conferred.

shown favoritism

Highlights the bias or partiality involved in the treatment.

favored

A more concise alternative that highlights partiality.

given an advantage

Focuses on the benefit conferred, without specifying the type of treatment.

fast-tracked

Suggests an acceleration or expedited process.

given priority

Emphasizes the order of importance or attention.

given a leg up

An idiomatic expression suggesting help to gain an advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "given preferential treatment" in a sentence?

You can use "given preferential treatment" to describe situations where someone or something receives advantages or privileges over others. For example: "Certain employees are "given preferential treatment" when it comes to promotions."

What are some alternatives to saying "given preferential treatment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "received special treatment", "afforded preferential treatment", or "shown favoritism".

Is "given preferential treatment" the same as "positive discrimination"?

"Positive discrimination", also known as affirmative action, involves actively seeking to include members of underrepresented groups. While it can result in someone being "given preferential treatment", the terms are not entirely interchangeable. "Preferential treatment" can occur in other contexts as well.

What's the difference between "given preferential treatment" and "treated fairly"?

"Given preferential treatment" implies that someone is getting advantages others aren't. "Treated fairly" suggests everyone is receiving equal and just consideration. These are often opposing concepts: if someone is "given preferential treatment", others might argue they aren't being "treated fairly".