have long preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have long preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a longstanding preference for something over time. Example: "I have long preferred tea over coffee for my morning routine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Commuters have long preferred cars and buses.

The Economist

Officers have long preferred cruisers with rear-wheel drive.

The New York Times

Non-profits have long preferred good intentions over measurable solutions.

The Economist

American officials have long preferred to talk cyberdefense, leaving the attack side in the shadows.

The New York Times

Goldman's senior executives have long preferred voicemail over e-mail for confidential communication.

The New York Times

Outside the biggest cities, Americans have long preferred classic, roomier clothes (though this may be changing).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Adelson has long preferred a low profile in many of his political activities.

The New Yorker

The Brooklyn-born Anthony has long preferred the Knicks over other N.B.A. destinations.

The New York Times - Sports

Ofcom, the British regulator, has long preferred a market with four players.

The Economist

His great success, however, was in forcing our attention on an issue we had long preferred to ignore.

The New York Times

Microsoft has long preferred to focus on Washington State, where the company is based, rather than on Washington D.C.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have long preferred" to indicate a sustained preference that has existed for a considerable period. This phrase adds a sense of historical context or established habit to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "have long preferred" when the preference is no longer valid or has significantly changed. Ensure the preference is still relevant to the present context to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have long preferred" functions as a verb phrase indicating a sustained preference or inclination over a considerable period. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable sources demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have long preferred" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a sustained preference over time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, scientific, and formal business contexts. This phrase conveys a sense of established habit or historical context, adding depth to writing. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's important to ensure the stated preference remains relevant in the present to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have always favored

Emphasizes a consistent preference throughout time, suggesting a continuous inclination.

have for a long time favored

Similar to have always favored, but with a slightly different emphasis on the duration of the preference.

have consistently chosen

Highlights the act of selecting something repeatedly over time, focusing on the decision-making aspect.

have historically favored

Implies a preference based on past trends or historical context, adding a sense of tradition.

have traditionally preferred

Similar to historically favored, but emphasizes adherence to customs or established practices.

have generally preferred

Indicates a preference that is common but not necessarily absolute or universal.

have typically favored

Similar to generally preferred, suggesting a usual or expected inclination.

have long been inclined to

Expresses a predisposition or tendency towards something over an extended period.

have, over time, preferred

Emphasizes the gradual development or establishment of a preference over a period.

have previously favored

Implies a past preference that may or may not continue into the present.

FAQs

How can I use "have long preferred" in a sentence?

Use "have long preferred" to describe a situation where a preference has existed for a considerable time. For example, "Consumers "have long preferred" traditional methods, but are now adapting to modern techniques."

What are some alternatives to "have long preferred"?

You can use alternatives like "have always favored", "have consistently chosen", or "have historically favored depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "have long preferred" in formal writing?

Yes, "have long preferred" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a well-established preference. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "have long preferred" and "used to prefer"?

"Have long preferred" indicates a preference that has existed for a while and may still be ongoing, while "used to prefer" indicates a past preference that may no longer be valid.