i prefer both

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I prefer both" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this sentence when you are comparing two things and prefer them both equally. For example, "I'm deciding between two cars, but I prefer both."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I prefer both.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I preferred both to my companion's rather basic lamb stew.

The New York Times

I preferred both to the soft-shell crab spider roll, in which the crab was a little limp.

The New York Times

Offering two models, the $100 Laredo and the $226 Silverado, I preferred both sets to the rap star models I have listened to.

The New York Times

They'd prefer both.

TechCrunch

I was a little disappointed that the two English teams had drawn each other in this season's Champions League quarter final as I would have preferred both teams to play one of the European elite.

The Times

That view may not be the last word -- it may not even reflect the whole truth -- but I prefer it to both the playwright's statement that Ruskin "set about trying to destroy" his wife (an appalling charge to level at anyone; unconscionable to level it at an emotional retard like Ruskin) and the Ruskin apologists' assertion that the play "was unfair to 'diminish' the reputation" of their hero.

The New York Times

Katie May: To be honest I prefer them both.

Huffington Post

I prefer the first, but both are fascinating reminders of how different the jazz mainstream sounded then.

The New York Times - Arts

Seamans: I prefer that we address both: that we focus on increasing productivity (via automation in this case) and that we separately think about how to address inequities that might arise.

Forbes

People already think I prefer Arsenal when I love both clubs in equal amounts simply because I got so much joy from both of them.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I prefer both" when you genuinely find two options equally appealing or suitable. This avoids implying a stronger preference for one over the other.

Common error

Avoid using "I prefer both" if you subtly favor one option. This can mislead your audience about your true inclination. Instead, consider phrases like "I lean towards both" or "I appreciate both, but..." to indicate a slight bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I prefer both" functions as an expression of equivalent preference. It indicates that the speaker finds both options equally desirable or suitable, making it a declarative statement about their inclination, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I prefer both" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate equal preference between two options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts. While simple, understanding its implications—such as avoiding its use when a subtle bias exists—can help ensure clarity in your communication. Alternatives like "I like both equally" can provide further nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I favor both

Indicates a leaning towards both options, suggesting approval or support for both.

I like both equally

Emphasizes an equal appreciation for both options, removing any sense of preference.

I enjoy both

Highlights the pleasure derived from both options, focusing on positive experiences.

Both appeal to me

Suggests that both options are attractive or desirable, without stating a specific preference.

I find both agreeable

Indicates that both options are acceptable or pleasing, with a slightly more formal tone.

I'm happy with either

Expresses contentment with either choice, emphasizing satisfaction regardless of the outcome.

I'm content with both

Expresses satisfaction with having both options simultaneously.

I accept both

Implies willingness to take on both options, focusing on acceptance rather than preference.

I appreciate both

Highlights recognition and gratitude for both options, emphasizing their value.

I see merit in both

Suggests that both options have value or positive qualities, without expressing a personal preference.

FAQs

How can I use "I prefer both" in a sentence?

You can use "I prefer both" to indicate that you have no strong preference between two options. For example, "I'm deciding between coffee and tea, but "I prefer both"".

What's the difference between "I prefer both" and "I like both equally"?

"I prefer both" suggests a slight leaning towards both options without distinguishing them, while "I like both equally" emphasizes that your enjoyment of the options is identical.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I prefer both"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase accurately conveys a lack of strong preference between two choices.

Are there situations where "I like both" is more suitable than "I prefer both"?

"I like both" is suitable in scenarios where you simply want to express your enjoyment without implying a decision-making process, while "I prefer both" is better when you're explicitly choosing between two options.