in preference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in preference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a preference for one choice over another. For example, "I decided to go for a hike in the mountains today in preference to staying home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have always worn a skirt in preference to trousers.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also began to model in clay in preference to plaster.

The Guardian

Poverty is caused by the pursuit of commercial gain in preference to humanitarian interests.

The Guardian - Tech

Emily Dickinson used the dash in preference to any other punctuation.

The New York Times - Books

She made him her heir in preference to her own son.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cognitive behaviour therapy is recommended in preference to pills for mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

The Guardian

There is a certain consistency in Gibson's selection in preference to Andy Reid.

The Guardian - Sport

Different reagents are used to attract the cobalt minerals to the bubbles in preference to copper.

Britannica

Xerxes was designated heir apparent by his father in preference to his elder brother Artabazanes.

Britannica

It shows good selectivity for fluoride anion (F−) in preference to many anions.

Electrochimica Acta

The tagger will load paths in the CLASSPATH in preference to those on the file system.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in preference to" to clearly indicate a deliberate choice between two options, especially when emphasizing the reasons behind the selection. For instance, "The committee selected option A in preference to option B because it offered a more sustainable solution."

Common error

While "in preference to" is useful, avoid using it in unnecessarily complex sentences. Simpler alternatives like "instead of" or "rather than" can sometimes improve clarity and readability without losing the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in preference to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate a choice or preference for one option over another. It introduces the option that is less favored. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in preference to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express a clear choice or preference. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts. Its formal tone makes it suitable for professional and academic writing, while also being accessible in news and general discourse. When writing, ensure you are clearly indicating a deliberate choice and consider whether simpler alternatives like "instead of" or ""rather than"" might enhance clarity. By understanding its nuances and applying these guidelines, you can effectively use "in preference to" to communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather than

Indicates a choice where one thing is favored over another, similar to "in preference to" but more direct.

over

A simple and direct way to express preference for one thing above another.

instead of

Suggests a substitution of one thing for another, emphasizing the replacement aspect.

as opposed to

Highlights a contrast between two options, often emphasizing the differences.

favoring

Suggests a bias or inclination towards one option, implying a positive regard.

in lieu of

A more formal way of saying "instead of", often used in legal or official contexts.

preferentially to

Highlights that something is done or chosen in a way that gives it an advantage.

opting for

Emphasizes the active decision to choose something, highlighting the selection process.

more than

Implies a greater degree of something, suggesting a preference based on quantity or quality.

by choice of

Focuses on the act of choosing something, emphasizing the decision-making process.

FAQs

How can I use "in preference to" in a sentence?

Use "in preference to" to show that one thing is chosen or liked more than another. For example, "I chose tea "rather than" coffee this morning "in preference to" coffee."

What are some alternatives to "in preference to"?

You can use alternatives like "instead of", ""rather than"", or "over" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "in preference to" and "instead of"?

"In preference to" emphasizes a deliberate choice or stronger liking, while "instead of" simply indicates a substitution.

When is it best to use "in preference to" over other similar phrases?

Use "in preference to" when you want to highlight that a conscious decision was made favoring one option over another, especially when there's a specific reason for that preference.