is partial to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is partial to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It usually means to have a preference or liking for something or someone. Example: She is partial to spicy food, so she always adds extra chili to her dishes. In this sentence, "is partial to" indicates that the person has a strong liking or preference for spicy food. It could also be used in other contexts, such as "He is partial to his older sister, always seeking her advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is partial to Pink Floyd.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Middleton is partial to V-necks.

The New York Times

He is partial to theatricality.

The New Yorker

He is partial to drum circles.

The New York Times

(Mr. Butler is partial to prewar homes).

The New York Times

The superintendent of schools is partial to the root beer.

The New York Times

And each of those personalities is partial to coats.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

T., however, is partial to Earnest Sewn jeans.

The New Yorker

She loves O'Neill; he is partial to Shaw and Shakespeare.

The New York Times

He is partial to the mechanical games made before 1977.

The New York Times

He is partial to less homey aromas as well.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is partial to" to indicate a mild preference or liking, rather than a strong passion or obsession. For stronger feelings, consider words like "loves" or "adores".

Common error

Avoid using "is partial to" when describing something you dislike or disapprove of. The phrase always implies a positive inclination, so it's not appropriate for expressing negative preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is partial to" functions as an adjectival phrase, specifically indicating a preference or inclination towards something. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where various individuals and entities are shown to have preferences for specific items or activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is partial to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a preference or liking. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for expressing mild inclinations across various contexts, although primarily found in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember it denotes a positive inclination, and be mindful of the degree of preference you wish to convey. Explore alternatives like "favors" or "enjoys" to fine-tune your message. With its neutral to slightly formal tone, "is partial to" is a valuable addition to your expressive toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favors

This alternative is more concise and directly indicates a preference.

has a preference for

This alternative is a more formal and explicit way of expressing a preference.

enjoys

This alternative suggests a feeling of pleasure derived from something.

is fond of

This alternative implies an affection or liking for something.

is keen on

This alternative suggests enthusiasm or strong interest in something.

leans towards

This alternative indicates a tendency to prefer something.

gravitates towards

This alternative implies a natural attraction to something.

has a soft spot for

This alternative suggests a tender or affectionate liking for something.

is inclined to

This alternative indicates a disposition or tendency toward something.

appreciates

This alternative expresses an acknowledgement of the value of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is partial to" in a sentence?

You can use "is partial to" to express a preference or liking for something. For example, "She "is partial to" classical music" indicates she enjoys or favors classical music.

What are some alternatives to saying "is partial to"?

Alternatives include "enjoys", "favors", "is fond of", or "has a preference for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal or informal to use "is partial to"?

"Is partial to" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for both casual and professional contexts, though alternatives like "likes" may be more appropriate for very informal situations.

What's the difference between "is partial to" and "is biased towards"?

"Is partial to" implies a preference based on personal taste or enjoyment, while "is biased towards" suggests a potentially unfair or prejudiced leaning. For example, "He "is partial to" chocolate ice cream" is a harmless preference. However, "The judge "is biased towards" the defendant" indicates a serious issue of impartiality.