he has a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate someone's liking or inclination towards a particular option, choice, or type of thing. Example: "He has a preference for classical music over contemporary genres."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

No, he is not unreasonably fastidious, and not the claustrophobic sort, although naturally he has a preference for bright, airy brothels (who wouldn't?).

The Guardian - Books

Mainly, it says that Mr. Bush values loyalty above expertise, perhaps that he has a preference for advisers whose personal fortunes are almost entirely bound up with his own.

The New York Times

Drew Barrymore found herself mostly drawn to her toddlers, whom she and husband Will Koppelman wrangled through showrooms, while Judd Apatow said he has a preference for works by artists like Garry Winogrand.

The Guardian - Arts

In his free time, he goes to the movies — he has a preference for war movies, and he's seen taking in a revival of "The Bridges at Toko-Ri," a 1954 film about U.S. airmen in the Korean War.

The New Yorker

Although they have a youthful verve, he has a preference for long sleeves, high necklines, and below-the-knee skirts of the sort that can also flatter grown women.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But he added that all things being equal, he had a preference for seeing American continue alone.

The New York Times - Travel

The president said he had a preference for "peaceful solutions" and the US would work with Russia on its proposal to persuade Syria to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile.

BBC

An African American man bravely admitted that his IAT results showed that he had a preference for white over black.

Huffington Post

In February 2011 the new club owner, John W. Henry, stated he had a preference for remaining at Anfield and expanding the capacity.

Wikipedia

He's a fag and has a preference for that burly, hairy, 40-plus subgenus known as the "bear".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the object of the preference, use "for" followed by a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "He has a preference for jazz music" or "He has a preference for reading novels before bed".

Common error

Avoid using "of" instead of "for" after "preference". The correct structure is "He has a preference for something", not "He has a preference of something".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has a preference for" functions as a statement of inclination or choice. It indicates that a particular individual favors or leans towards a specific option, item, or activity. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he has a preference for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express someone's inclination or favored choice. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usage across various contexts, including news, wiki, and scientific publications. While subtly more formal than alternatives like "he prefers", it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication settings. Remember to follow "for" with a noun or gerund and avoid the common mistake of using "of" instead. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use this phrase to convey someone's preferences with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he prefers

A straightforward synonym, emphasizing the act of choosing one thing over another.

he favors

This is a more direct and concise way of saying someone prefers something; less verbose.

he has a liking for

Expresses affection or enjoyment of something.

he is partial to

Indicates a fondness or bias toward something.

he is fond of

Suggests affection or tenderness towards something.

he leans towards

Suggests a tendency or inclination, but not necessarily a strong choice.

he is keen on

Indicates enthusiasm or strong liking.

he inclines toward

A more formal way of saying someone tends to favor something.

he enjoys

A simple way to convey pleasure or satisfaction in something.

he gravitates towards

Implies a natural attraction or movement toward something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he has a preference for"?

You can use alternatives like "he favors", "he prefers", or "he is partial to" depending on the context.

How do I use "he has a preference for" in a sentence?

The phrase is followed by the thing or activity that is preferred. For example, "He has a preference for classical music" or "He has a preference for staying home on weekends".

Is it more formal to say "he has a preference for" or "he prefers"?

"He has a preference for" is slightly more formal than "he prefers". The latter is more direct and commonly used in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "he has a preference for" and "he has a liking for"?

"He has a preference for" suggests a conscious choice or inclination, while "he has a liking for" implies a fondness or enjoyment. The nuance lies in the degree of active selection versus passive enjoyment.