is preferable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is preferable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one thing is more desirable than another thing. For example: "Having dinner at the restaurant is preferable to cooking at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Evolution is preferable to revolution.

Independent

Because anyone is preferable to Bibi.

The Guardian

Evolution is preferable to judicial fiat.

The New York Times

That fantasy is preferable to the truth.

The New Yorker

Which is preferable to the blind community?

The New Yorker

Sometimes a small step is preferable to a giant leap.

The New York Times

Selling food stamps is preferable to selling their body.

The Guardian - Opinion

To me this is preferable to missing a serious complaint.

The Guardian

Being a known quantity is preferable to being an outsider.

The Guardian

Sometimes a little kindness is preferable to a freak show.

The New York Times - Arts

This currency is preferable to cash, according to the source.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is preferable to" when clearly stating that one option offers advantages over another. Ensure the context provides a clear comparison for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is preferable to" in overly complex sentences where simpler alternatives like "better than" would enhance clarity. Overuse can make writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is preferable to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to express that one thing is considered better or more desirable than another. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

27%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is preferable to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express preference. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. It's very common in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and consider whether a simpler alternative might improve clarity. Remember, providing a reason for the preference enhances communication. With an expert rating of 4.6, Ludwig considers this a strong and reliable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is better than

Replaces "preferable" with a more direct synonym, indicating a higher quality or more desirable option.

is superior to

Emphasizes a higher degree of advantage or excellence compared to the alternative.

is more advantageous than

Highlights the benefits and positive outcomes of choosing one option over another.

is favored over

Indicates a leaning towards one option, suggesting it's more liked or chosen.

is the preferred choice over

Specifies that one option is selected more often or considered more suitable.

is a better alternative to

Focuses on the idea of options and suggests one is a more suitable substitute.

outweighs

Implies that the benefits or importance of one option surpass those of the other.

is advisable over

Suggests that one option is recommended or considered more prudent.

is wiser than

Highlights the element of good judgment and foresight in choosing one option.

is more suitable than

Emphasizes the appropriateness and fitness of one option for a specific purpose or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "is preferable to" to indicate that one option is more desirable or advantageous than another. For instance, "Taking the train is preferable to driving during rush hour".

What are some alternatives to "is preferable to"?

You can use alternatives such as "is better than", "is superior to", or "is favored over" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state why something "is preferable to" something else?

While not always required, providing a reason enhances clarity. For example, instead of just saying "Tea is preferable", specify "Tea is preferable to coffee because it's less likely to cause jitters".

What's the difference between "is preferable to" and "is preferred over"?

"Is preferable to" implies a judgment about inherent qualities, while "is preferred over" suggests a choice made based on subjective preference or circumstance. Although subtle, "is preferred over" focuses more on the act of choosing.