indicate a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

"indicate a preference for" is a perfectly correct phrase in written English.
You could use it whenever you need to express the act of preferring something or someone over something else. For example, "I indicated a preference for the red car over the blue one".

✓ 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

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

Nature

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

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

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Professors say that even medical school admissions departments could encourage primary care by selecting more students whose applications indicate a preference for family medicine.

The New York Times

In showing a preference for the religious-conservative firebrand Mr Brownback and the small-government-conservative firebrand Mr Gingrich, Red State seems to indicate a preference for purity over victory at all costs.

The Economist

Tim Hibbitts, an independent pollster in Portland, has calculated that among those who indicate a preference for Mr. Nader in the polls, about half are unlikely to change their minds, in part because they view both major parties as "two peas in a very corrupt pod".

The New York Times

This finding may indicate a preference for free, widely accessible systems.

Chemistry Central Journal

Large positive values of λ i indicate a preference for such the corresponding feature.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indicate a preference for" when you want to formally express that someone or something favors one option over others, especially when documenting choices or inclinations in research, reports, or official communications.

Common error

While "indicate a preference for" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "prefer" or "like" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate a preference for" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the expression of a selection or inclination. It is used to formally state that someone or something favors one option over another, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicate a preference for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that is applicable across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to formally express a selection or inclination. While versatile, its formal tone may not always be suitable for casual conversations. Understanding its function and purpose allows for its effective use in writing, ensuring clarity and accuracy in conveying preferences. Numerous authoritative sources attest to its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer

A simpler and more common synonym for "indicate a preference for".

favor

A more direct and concise way of saying "prefer".

opt for

Emphasizes the act of choosing among alternatives.

express a liking for

Focuses on expressing fondness rather than explicitly stating a preference.

lean toward

Suggests a tendency to favor something without a definitive choice.

show a proclivity toward

Implies a natural inclination or tendency, suggesting a stronger leaning.

show a tendency for

Highlights a habitual or predictable inclination.

demonstrate partiality to

Implies a bias or favoritism towards something.

exhibit an inclination for

Suggests a natural or inherent leaning towards something.

profess a fondness for

Highlights the verbal expression of liking something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "indicate a preference for" in simpler terms?

You can use alternatives like "prefer", "favor", or "lean toward" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "indicate a preference for" and "prefer"?

"Indicate a preference for" is more formal and often used in written communication or formal settings, while "prefer" is a more common and versatile synonym applicable in both formal and informal contexts.

How to use "indicate a preference for" in a sentence?

You can use it as "The data indicate a preference for the new model" or "The survey results indicate that most users indicate a preference for the updated interface".

When is it appropriate to use "indicate a preference for"?

It is appropriate when you want to formally state or document that someone or something favors one option over another, often in analytical or reporting contexts, but try to avoid it in spoken language where something more informal such as "prefer" might be more appropriate.