gives preference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gives preference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something is favored or prioritized over others in a particular context. Example: "The new policy gives preference to applicants with relevant work experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Samela gives preference to the men who show up early and often.

The New York Times

The leave program gives preference to soldiers with young children, especially newborns.

The New York Times

This fund gives preference to current or former post-doctoral psychiatry fellows from NYSPI/Columbia.

Columbia University

The Department of State gives preference to the most vulnerable refugees, who have been tortured or persecuted at home.

The New Yorker

The government's aggressive affirmative action program, which gives preference to blacks in hiring, is another sore point.

The New York Times

Yet why is a program that gives preference to certain applicants based on skin tone considered an equalizer of opportunity?

The New York Times

Whenever possible, the Music Department gives preference to DCE students to help supplement their income and defray tuition costs.

Princeton University

It prevents the passage of any law that gives preference to or forces belief in any one religion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the bidding on federal contracts, the government already gives preference to disadvantaged areas across America; no one doubts that New York is one of those areas today.

The New York Times

The town gives preference to applicants who work or live in Greenwich, but anyone in the country can put their names on the lists.

The New York Times

The South Africans sided with the three Spaniards who withdrew from Wimbledon over the weekend, complaining about a seeding system that gives preference to grass-court players.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gives preference to", ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria or reasons for the preference. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gives preference to" without specifying the basis for the preference. For example, instead of saying "The committee gives preference to certain applicants", specify "The committee gives preference to applicants with extensive research experience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives preference to" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that someone or something favors, prioritizes, or shows partiality towards a particular option, entity, or characteristic over others. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gives preference to" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate favoritism or prioritization. As Ludwig AI validates, it's widely accepted in English writing. The analysis reveals its frequent usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, scientific, and academic domains. When using the phrase, clarity in specifying the criteria for preference is key. Alternatives such as "favors" and "prioritizes" can be employed for conciseness or nuanced expression. The high prevalence and consistent application of "gives preference to" affirm its reliability as an effective means of conveying preferential treatment in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favors

A more concise synonym, implying a leaning towards one option over others.

prioritizes

Emphasizes the act of ranking something as more important.

gives priority to

Similar to "gives preference to", but explicitly states that something is given precedence.

treats with preference

Highlights the action of treating something in a preferential way.

shows partiality toward

Highlights the subjective aspect of favoring something or someone.

selects preferentially

Emphasizes the act of choosing one option over others based on a preference.

is biased toward

Suggests a potential unfairness in the favoring of one thing over another.

discriminates in favor of

Indicates a deliberate action to benefit one entity at the expense of others.

inclines toward

Suggests a tendency or leaning in a particular direction.

is predisposed to

Indicates a pre-existing inclination or tendency to favor something.

FAQs

How can I use "gives preference to" in a sentence?

You can use "gives preference to" to indicate that someone or something favors or prioritizes one thing over another. For example, "The hiring manager "gives preference to" candidates with prior experience."

What can I say instead of "gives preference to"?

You can use alternatives like "favors", "prioritizes", or "gives priority to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gives preference to" or "has preference for"?

"Gives preference to" is generally used to describe an action of prioritizing, while "has preference for" describes a state of liking something more. Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. If you are not sure which to use consider "favors".

What's the difference between "gives preference to" and "shows partiality toward"?

"Gives preference to" is a more neutral term, indicating a practical prioritization. "Shows partiality toward" "shows partiality toward" suggests a bias or emotional leaning.