indicates a preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicates a preference" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing choices, inclinations, or tendencies in various contexts, such as surveys, studies, or personal opinions. For example: "The survey results indicate a preference for online shopping over in-store purchases." Alternative expressions include "shows a preference" and "suggests a preference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

If plotted points fall above the diagonal line in Figure 1, then herbivores tend to prefer exotics, below the diagonal indicates a preference for natives, and a scatter along the diagonal indicates no consistent preference.

Plosone

This result indicates a preference towards the video that have been tone mapped with the preferred TMO even if this is not on the entire frame.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The user indicates a preference by tapping one of two small drums with a mallet.

The New York Times - Arts

possibly indicates a preference for direct forage flights, probably leading above the forest canopy.

Biological Conservation

This indicates a preference by the faculty to clarify content, a finding that supports prior research.

Journal of Second Language Writing

A negative score indicates a preference strong, direct leadership, managing through applying your expertise and through giving advice and clear direction.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

While Grassley has indicated a preference for cooperating with Feinstein going forward, there is little indication they will.

The Washington Post

When asked whom he would prefer as his VP he defers to the voters, but indicated a preference for Senator Elizabeth Warren or Senator Bernie Sanders.

Huffington Post

Bosh also could sign an extension this summer but has indicated a preference to explore free agency.

The New York Times - Sports

The results overwhelmingly indicated a preference to secede, which occurred on July 9 , 2011

Britannica

In preliminary discussions, he said, networks indicated a preference to stage the event in Las Vegas, Nev.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicates a preference", ensure that the context clearly specifies what the preference is for and the basis for that indication. For example: "The data indicates a preference for renewable energy sources due to environmental concerns."

Common error

Avoid using "indicates a preference" without specifying what the preference is. Saying "The study indicates a preference" is less effective than "The study indicates a preference for visual learning styles over auditory ones."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicates a preference" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It connects evidence or data to a conclusion about someone's or something's favored choice. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to present an inclination based on available information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indicates a preference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to report a leaning or inclination towards a particular option based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts, suggesting its use is generally neutral to formal. For effective writing, ensure that the context clearly specifies what the preference is and the data supporting it. While various alternatives exist, such as "suggests a bias" or "favors a particular option", choosing the most appropriate substitute depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favors a particular option

Directly states a preference for a specific choice or possibility.

suggests a bias

Expresses a leaning or inclination toward something, similar to indicating a preference.

inclines towards a selection

Indicates a leaning or inclination towards a specific choice.

demonstrates a liking

Highlights an affinity or enjoyment, showing a positive attitude toward something.

leans toward a decision

Expresses a tendency to favor a particular resolution or outcome.

reveals a tendency

Uncovers a disposition or likelihood to choose or favor something.

points to a favoritism

Highlights a partiality or preference towards one thing over others.

implies a predilection

Suggests a strong inclination or liking for something.

exhibits a penchant

Shows a habitual liking or tendency towards something.

signals a proclivity

Indicates a natural inclination or tendency towards something.

FAQs

How to use "indicates a preference" in a sentence?

You can use "indicates a preference" to show that something suggests a choice or liking. For instance, "The survey indicates a preference for flexible working hours" means the survey results suggest people like flexible hours.

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

You can use alternatives like "suggests a bias", "demonstrates a liking", or "favors a particular option" to express a similar idea.

Which is correct, "indicates a preference for" or "indicates a preference of"?

"Indicates a preference for" is generally the preferred and more common usage. "Indicates a preference of" is less common and might sound awkward to some native English speakers.

What's the difference between "indicates a preference" and "suggests a preference"?

While similar, "indicates a preference" implies a more direct or stronger suggestion of preference based on evidence, while "suggests a preference" might be a more subtle or tentative indication.