have a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are particularly fond of something. For example, "I have a preference for Chinese food over Italian food".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

SH: Do you have a preference for either one of those modes of working?

The Guardian - Film

The ­anxious have a preference for text messaging, not wanting the potential pitfalls of live conversation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They need a history of loyalty, and they have a preference for deference.

The New York Times

(The market seems to have a preference for useless financial instruments and insane compensation packages).

The New York Times

We have a preference for a comprehensive, market-based approach to addressing climate change.

The Guardian

One reason was that Europeans still seemed to have a preference for investing in America.

The New York Times

A. Investors have a preference for investing directly in large transactions.

The New York Times

Unlike his Arsenal counterpart, Arsène Wenger, he does not have a preference for English opposition next.

Independent

He added: "I think a lot of owners would have a preference for a hard salary cap like football has.

The New York Times - Sports

"Alumni and boosters almost always would have a preference for a big name," Nordenberg said Wednesday by telephone.

The New York Times - Sports

When investors are uncertain (risk-averse), they have a preference for holding cash and the price of shares falls.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a preference for", ensure it's followed by a specific noun or gerund phrase to clarify what the preference is. For example, "I have a preference for dark chocolate" or "I have a preference for reading before bed".

Common error

Avoid using "have a preference of". The correct construction is "have a preference for". For example, instead of "I have a preference of tea", say "I have a preference for tea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a preference for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a disposition or inclination towards something. It typically introduces the object of preference, whether a noun, activity, or idea. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common use in expressing personal choices and general tendencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a preference for" is a versatile and widely used expression to indicate a liking or inclination towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found across various domains, particularly in news, science, and general media. While synonyms like ""prefer"" and ""favor"" exist, "have a preference for" offers a nuanced way to articulate personal choices and tendencies. Remember to use it with a specific noun or gerund phrase to clearly state the object of your preference, and avoid the incorrect form "have a preference of". By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "have a preference for" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer

This alternative is a direct synonym, indicating a choice or liking of one thing over another.

have a liking for

Indicates a general positive feeling or fondness.

favor

This alternative is a more concise way to express a preference, suggesting a leaning towards one option.

be inclined to

Expresses a disposition or tendency to choose something.

tend to prefer

Highlights a usual pattern of choosing something over others.

lean towards

This alternative suggests a tendency or inclination, but with less force than a strong preference.

demonstrate a preference for

This is a more formal way of expressing a preference, often used in analytical or research contexts.

be partial to

Suggests a fondness or liking for something, often used in a slightly more informal context.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural or subconscious attraction to something.

show a bias towards

Indicates a leaning or inclination, potentially implying a lack of neutrality.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a preference for" to indicate that you like one thing more than another. For example, "I "have a preference for" classical music over pop music".

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

Alternatives include "prefer", "favor", "lean towards", or "be inclined to". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your context.

Is it correct to say "have a preference of" instead of "have a preference for"?

No, the correct phrase is ""have a preference for"". "Have a preference of" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "have a preference for" and "prefer"?

"Have a preference for" is a more descriptive way of saying ""prefer"". While "prefer" is more direct, "have a preference for" can be used to elaborate on the reasons behind the preference.