he is partial to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is partial to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preference or favoritism towards something or someone. Example: "He is partial to Italian cuisine, often choosing it over other types of food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

He is partial to Pink Floyd.

The New York Times - Sports

He is partial to theatricality.

The New Yorker

He is partial to drum circles.

The New York Times

She loves O'Neill; he is partial to Shaw and Shakespeare.

The New York Times

He is partial to the mechanical games made before 1977.

The New York Times

He is partial to less homey aromas as well.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He was partial to dancers.

The New York Times

He was partial to Madonna, Lionel Richie and George Michael.

The New York Times

"He was partial to that hat.

The New Yorker

He's partial to large, shiny watches.

The Washington Post

But he was partial to The A Team.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is partial to" to subtly indicate a preference without being overly assertive. For instance, instead of saying someone loves a particular author, you might say "he is partial to" their work to imply a more nuanced appreciation.

Common error

While "he is partial to" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "he favors" or "he has a preference for" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is partial to" functions as an adjective phrase expressing preference or inclination. Ludwig examples show it being used to indicate fondness for various things, from musical genres to clothing styles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

7%

Arts

7%

Less common in

Travel

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is partial to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express someone's preference or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalent use in news and media, sports, and arts contexts. To enhance your writing, consider related phrases such as "he favors" or "he has a preference for", and avoid overusing the phrase in formal writing to maintain a varied and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he favors

Replaces "is partial to" with a more direct verb indicating preference.

he has a preference for

Uses a noun phrase to express preference instead of the adjective 'partial'.

he has a liking for

A more direct way of expressing a positive sentiment.

he is fond of

Expresses affection or liking, conveying a sense of enjoyment.

he inclines toward

Indicates a tendency or leaning, similar to having a preference.

he is keen on

Suggests enthusiasm or strong interest.

he takes to

Expresses immediate liking or affinity.

he is attached to

Implies an emotional connection or fondness.

he gravitates towards

Suggests a natural inclination or attraction.

he is susceptible to

Suggests influence or attraction, but slightly different nuance.

FAQs

What does "he is partial to" mean?

The phrase "he is partial to" means that someone has a preference for or particularly likes something. It suggests a leaning or fondness towards a specific thing or person.

How can I use "he is partial to" in a sentence?

You can use "he is partial to" to express someone's preference. For example, "He is partial to classical music" means that he prefers or enjoys classical music more than other genres.

What are some alternatives to saying "he is partial to"?

You can use alternatives like "he favors", "he has a preference for", or "he is fond of" depending on the context.

Is it formal or informal to say "he is partial to"?

The phrase "he is partial to" is considered relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using "he prefers" for a more direct tone.