indicate a preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicate a preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to express their choice or inclination regarding options or alternatives. Example: "Please indicate a preference for the meeting time that works best for you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We found that women with a non-Dutch ethnic background were more likely to indicate a preference for, and to use the preferred medicinal pain relief.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

They mate; the men choose, of course, although the women can indicate a preference by stepping forward.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When the 7.2% who said they remained undecided were pressed to indicate a preference, the "others" vote rose to 13.3%.

The Guardian

One, LR tests indicate a preference for a constrained model that combines the two conditional responses (χ2=7.72, p=0.461).

Nature

But it would have been a chance to indicate a preference -- a small but potentially important first step toward actually getting the franchise.

The New York Times

Mr. Perry, a Republican, did not indicate a preference for how to raise the revenue but said he would consult with state lawmakers.

The New York Times

An outright majority of 50% of each of these groups indicate a preference for a premature coronation of William V. The Queen continues to retain her popularity.

The Guardian

Although they indicate a preference for locally produced content, more than half of respondents like international TV content because of its better quality video clips.

The Guardian

While part of that reflects exchange rate effects, Tony Norfield of ABN Amro theorized it might indicate a preference to buy imported goods.

The New York Times

Positive 'x' values indicate a preference of PSCs to migrate towards regions of fibrosis, whilst negative 'x' values indicate migration in the opposite direction.

Nature

These models also indicate a preference for hydrophobic compounds to obtain good HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicate a preference", ensure the context clearly outlines the options from which the preference is being chosen. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "indicate a preference" without specifying the available options or alternatives. This can lead to confusion and make your statement vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate a preference" serves as a verb phrase, functioning to describe the act of showing or pointing out a choice or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to express a selection among different options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

37%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indicate a preference" is a versatile and widely used expression for communicating a choice or inclination, particularly in professional and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in science, news, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the options are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "express a choice" or "voice a preference" exist, "indicate a preference" often carries a slightly more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice a preference

Highlights the verbal expression of a preference.

express a choice

Focuses on the act of choosing explicitly.

reveal an inclination

Focuses on making an inclination known.

show a liking

Highlights a positive feeling towards something.

state a liking

A more direct and simple way to express a preference.

demonstrate a predilection

Implies a strong inclination or bias.

make known one's selection

Formal way to announce a choice.

register a vote

Suggests a formal expression of choice, like in elections.

designate a favored option

Focuses on the act of marking something as favored.

lodge a choice

Implies a formal or official submission of a preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "indicate a preference" to show someone's choice among various options. For example, "Please "indicate a preference" for the meeting time that works best for you."

What can I say instead of "indicate a preference"?

Alternatives include "express a choice", "voice a preference", or "reveal an inclination" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "indicate a preference" or "show a preference"?

Both ""indicate a preference"" and "show a preference" are correct. "Indicate" implies a more explicit expression, while "show" can be more subtle.

What's the difference between "indicate a preference" and "express a preference"?

"Indicate a preference" often suggests a more formal or structured setting, while "express a preference" can be used more broadly in both formal and informal contexts.