have a strong preference

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a strong preference" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that someone has a clear and definite choice or liking for something. You can use this phrase when expressing your own preferences or describing someone else's. Here are some examples: - "I have a strong preference for spicy food over bland dishes." - "The client has a strong preference for a minimalist design." - "She has a strong preference for morning workouts." - "He has a strong preference for traditional methods of cooking." - "The company has a strong preference for promoting from within."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Miners and construction workers have a strong preference for alcohol, while hotel and restaurant employees generally prefer drugs to heavy drinking.

The Washington Post

You have a strong preference for one firm, and your colleague favors the other.

Harvard University

This option is great when you have a strong preference for an ingredient.

The New York Times - Tech

But polling suggests that veterans still have a strong preference for the Republican candidate.

The New York Times

"The authors argue that the menopause exists in humans because males have a strong preference for younger females.

The Guardian

The sheep have a strong preference for grass but also eat broad-leafed plants and small trees, he said.

The New York Times - Science

So for example, newborn both macaques and humans really have a strong preference to look at faces.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As we've discussed, many customer service managers have a strong preference for Empathizers and a bias against Controllers.

Harvard Business Review

Without additional differentiating information, there is no obvious reason to have a strong preference for one over the other.

Harvard Business Review

Those who loathe the Tories usually have a strong preference between Labour and the Lib Dems too.

The Economist

"Unless parents have a strong preference for the combination vaccine, providers should use a separate vaccine," Dr. Klein said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a strong preference", ensure the object of the preference is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "have a strong preference for X over Y".

Common error

Avoid using "have a strong preference" when a mild liking is more accurate. Overstating preferences can weaken your argument or make you seem inflexible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a strong preference" functions as a verbal phrase used to express a subjective inclination or liking towards something specific. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a strong preference" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for expressing a clear liking or inclination towards something, Ludwig AI confirms. It is versatile enough for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and business settings, with a slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity and justification are key to avoid ambiguity or overstatement. Alternatives such as "favor greatly" or "lean towards" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in intensity or formality. Remember to choose the phrase that best fits the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer considerably

This alternative emphasizes the degree of preference more directly.

have a marked inclination

This option uses "inclination" instead of "preference" and adds "marked" to emphasize the strength.

be partial to

This option indicates a bias or fondness, similar to having a strong liking for something.

show a distinct liking

This phrase focuses on the outward display of preference.

lean towards

This phrase suggests a tendency or inclination, implying a preference without stating it as definitively.

enjoy vastly more

This option emphasizes the enjoyment derived from the preferred choice.

favor greatly

This alternative uses a verb to indicate a high degree of liking, rather than a noun-based preference.

be inclined towards

Similar to "lean towards", this indicates a tendency but is slightly more formal.

hold a special fondness

This alternative conveys a warm or affectionate preference.

gravitate towards

This option suggests a natural inclination or attraction to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a strong preference" to express a clear liking for something. For example, "I "have a strong preference" for tea over coffee".

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

"Prefer" is a more general term, while ""have a strong preference"" emphasizes the intensity of the liking. It suggests a more definitive and less easily swayed choice.

Which is more formal, "have a strong preference" or "like a lot"?

"Have a strong preference" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts, while "like a lot" is more informal.

What can I say instead of "have a strong preference"?

You can use alternatives like "favor greatly", "lean towards", or "be partial to depending on the context".