having a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a liking or inclination towards something over another option. Example: "She has a preference for classical music over jazz."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Preferences for type of scale differed: the less experienced GPs preferred the verbal scale, the most experienced preferred the numerical scale, with the groups in between having a preference for the combined verbal-numerical scale.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

I can't imagine Segway users having a preference for the road, so bike lanes, particularly in cities, could become clogged with the unwieldy devices.

The Guardian

Having a preference for fighting hard-wired into everyone's brains may make things more peaceful than they would be if most of us were preprogrammed doves.

The Economist

Another study in Chronobiology found that "individuals having a preference for evening hours to carry out their daily activities are prone to depression," more than earlier chronotypes are.

The New York Times

To be classified as having a preference for a particular form of alcohol, a subject had to report that he drank more than half of his alcohol in this form.

The Economist

While there's little surprise in a BMW or Mercedes having a preference for high-octane blends, 2013 models whose makers recommend premium include economy-focused vehicles like the Fiat 500, Mini Cooper and Nissan Juke, as well as some versions of the Dodge Dart, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Beetle — even the Chevrolet Volt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

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

WikiHow

Williams always had a preference for "thugs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've always had a preference for black men.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having a preference for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being preferred and why. Clarity enhances the sentence's effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "having a preference for" excessively in formal documents. Instead, opt for stronger, more concise verbs like "prefer", "favor", or "select" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a preference for" functions as a prepositional phrase expressing a subjective inclination or choice towards something specific. It indicates a personal liking or prioritization, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a preference for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to express a liking or inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and acceptability. It appears frequently in Science and News & Media contexts. While there are many alternatives like "favoring" or "preferring", it's crucial to choose the best fit for the tone and context of your writing. When writing, it's important to clearly state what is preferred and to avoid overuse in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferring

A more direct synonym indicating choice.

favoring

Implies a bias or leaning towards something.

leaning towards

Similar to 'inclined towards' but with a slightly weaker emphasis.

inclined towards

Suggests a tendency or leaning.

has an affinity for

Suggests a natural liking or connection.

partial to

Indicates a fondness or liking.

has a penchant for

Implies a strong liking or habit.

opting for

Highlights the action of choosing one thing over another.

demonstrates a liking for

A more descriptive way of showing preference.

shows a bias towards

Highlights a preference that may be considered unfair.

FAQs

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

You can use "having a preference for" to express a liking or inclination towards something over another. For example, "She is "partial to" classical music over jazz" is similar to saying "She is "partial to" classical music over jazz".

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

Some alternatives include "favoring", "preferring", or being "inclined towards" depending on the context.

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

While "having a preference of" might be understood, "having a preference for" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing.

What's the difference between "having a preference for" and "preferring"?

"Having a preference for" is a longer, more descriptive phrase, while "preferring" is a more concise and direct verb. Use "preferring" when brevity is desired.