greatly prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatly prefer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong preference for one option over another. Example: "I greatly prefer tea over coffee, especially in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

For myself, I greatly prefer the Schnabel picture.

The Guardian - Film

There are a whole bunch of things where I would greatly prefer Congress actually do something.

The Guardian

A: I greatly prefer being treated as a customer rather than as a patient.

Yale University

We greatly prefer that you use the CS4780/5780 Piazza Forum for questions and discussions.

Cornell University

An Audi spokesman, Mark Dahncke, acknowledged that Americans greatly prefer sedans.

The New York Times

No doubt they would greatly prefer that reputation to the one they now have.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Alexander, shortened to Alex, he would have greatly preferred.

The New Yorker

Most of the cabinet greatly prefers him to Gordon Brown.

The Economist

He has also mortified the Japanese corporate establishment, which greatly prefers "friendly" -- that is, silent -- shareholders.

The New York Times

She greatly preferred a younger son who died, and doesn't try to hide it.

The New York Times - Books

Thus, people greatly preferred convention in the tidy room and novelty in the messy room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greatly prefer" when you want to express a strong preference, but avoid overuse. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "strongly favor" or "distinctly prefer".

Common error

While "greatly prefer" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "really like" or "much prefer" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatly prefer" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong preference. It connects a subject with their favored option, conveying a significant degree of liking. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in expressing choices and inclinations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greatly prefer" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a significant preference. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it also finds use in academic and scientific writing. It's advisable to consider the formality of the setting, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversations, as indicated in Ludwig's analysis. Using synonyms like "strongly favor" and varying sentence structure can further enhance writing. The wide usage and diverse examples available through Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's relevance and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly favor

Emphasizes a robust inclination towards something.

have a strong preference for

Highlights the existence of a notable preference.

decidedly prefer

Indicates a clear and unambiguous preference.

significantly prefer

Stresses the importance or magnitude of the preference.

appreciably prefer

Suggests the preference is noticeable or measurable.

distinctly prefer

Implies a clear and easily recognized preference.

markedly prefer

Highlights a noticeable difference in preference.

considerably prefer

Indicates a preference of substantial degree.

favor considerably

Inverts the structure but maintains the idea of significant preference.

lean heavily towards

Emphasizes a strong tendency or inclination.

FAQs

How can I use "greatly prefer" in a sentence?

You can use "greatly prefer" to express a strong liking for something over something else. For example, "I "greatly prefer" tea over coffee in the morning".

What are some alternatives to saying "greatly prefer"?

You can use alternatives like "strongly favor", "have a strong preference for", or "decidedly prefer" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "greatly prefer" or "prefer greatly"?

"Greatly prefer" is the standard and more common phrasing. "Prefer greatly" is grammatically correct but sounds less natural.

When should I use "greatly prefer" instead of "prefer"?

Use "greatly prefer" when you want to emphasize the strength of your preference. "Prefer" is suitable for general preferences, while ""greatly prefer"" adds a layer of intensity.