has a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

"has a preference for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing the particular liking or inclination of a person or object. For example, "My little brother has a preference for cheese pizza."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each person has a preference for how much of each they prefer in their wine.

WikiHow

She has a preference for pink walls and light woodwork.

The New Yorker

Wendell has a preference for the number nine.

The New York Times - Sports

This class of workloads has a preference for anti-affinity.

University of California, Berkeley

But it has a preference for simpler patterns.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He throws left, the card informs us, and has a preference for Kodak Tri-X film.

The New Yorker

He has indicated that he has a preference for candidates with "digital experience".

The Guardian

The Least Sandpiper has a preference for foraging in drier mud, often where there is vegetation.

Cornell University

It has a preference for soft power, and mild assertions of influence.

The Economist

She enjoys a finely made cocktail and has a preference for French, Indian or Thai cooking.

The New York Times

It has been maintained that the human brain has a preference for binary oppositions, or polarities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a preference for" to clearly express a subject's inclination or choice without being overly assertive or forceful. This phrase works well in formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "has a preference for" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "likes" or "prefers" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a preference for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subject's inclination or liking towards something. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this construction effectively expresses choices or tendencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has a preference for" is a versatile phrase used to express someone's inclination or liking towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While "has a preference for" appears in diverse contexts, it's particularly common in scientific, news, and academic writing. For less formal conversations, consider alternatives like "likes" or "prefers". Remember to use this phrase to articulate inclinations clearly and effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefers

Directly expresses a choice or stronger liking.

has a liking for

Similar but uses 'liking' instead of 'preference'.

favors

Concise alternative expressing a liking or selection.

chooses

Implies a selection based on preference.

is inclined towards

Indicates a leaning or predisposition.

leans towards

Suggests a directional tendency.

tends towards

Indicates a habitual inclination.

is predisposed to

Suggests an inherent inclination.

is partial to

Shows fondness or special liking.

demonstrates a bias for

Indicates a leaning, possibly unfair.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "has a preference for"?

You can use alternatives like "prefers", "favors", or "is inclined towards" depending on the context.

How can I use "has a preference for" in a sentence?

You can use "has a preference for" to indicate someone's liking for something. For example: "She has a preference for Italian food".

Is there a difference between "has a preference for" and "prefers"?

While both phrases convey a liking, "has a preference for" can sometimes imply a more considered or formal choice compared to the directness of "prefers".

When is it appropriate to use "has a preference for"?

"Has a preference for" is suitable in both formal and informal writing, especially when detailing choices, inclinations, or tendencies in a neutral tone.