is preferable to that of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is preferable to that of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two options or choices, indicating that one is more desirable than the other. Example: "In this case, the new policy is preferable to that of the previous administration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Jiang Xinye feels strongly that her chosen path is preferable to that of many of her classmates.

The Guardian

But in certain respects her current state is preferable to that of displaced people who are still in Darfur.

The New Yorker

The navigator accepts the second type because the risk of lengthening the voyage is preferable to that of missing the target.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To Mr. Bowles's eye, the sight of a woman in business garb and shearling slippers is preferable to that of one in business clothes and running shoes: "It hints at naughtiness of some sort and sleeping under the desk".

The New York Times

The rule of law is preferable to that of a single citizen; if it be the better course to have individuals ruling, they should be made law guardians or ministers of the laws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, considerations of practical nature suggest that in on-field applications, the employment of halogen lamps is preferable to that of incandescence bulbs.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In societies that provide no institutionalized role for unmarried women, the status of a cowife may be preferable to that of a single woman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kelly studied law at University College Dublin, where he spent much of his time with the drama society, prompting his decision that a career as an actor was preferable to that of a barrister.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(A preference for urine instead of water as the incorporation agent might have had some basis in fact because urine is rich in nitrates; so might the view that a beer drinker's urine was preferable to that of an abstemious person and a wine drinker's urine best of all).

Encyclopedia Britannica

And in so far as this is true, the retribution of some victors may be preferable to that of others.

SEP

Experience or knowledge of drugs give the individual 'social currency' [ 16] and a sense of belonging to a social network- a label of 'drug user' being preferable to that of mental illness [ 22].

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is preferable to that of", ensure both items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The new software is preferable to that of the old system because it offers enhanced security features and a user-friendly interface."

Common error

Avoid using "is preferable to that of" in informal settings. Simpler phrases like "is better than" or "I like this more than that" are more appropriate for casual conversations and less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is preferable to that of" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that one option or situation is considered more desirable or advantageous than another. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in comparing two defined items.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is preferable to that of" serves as a comparative tool, signifying that one option is deemed more advantageous than another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability in written English. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "is better than", it offers a slightly more formal and precise way to express preference, particularly when clearly contrasting two defined items. It's commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal register. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain a natural flow, especially in less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is better than that of

Uses 'better' for a simpler comparison, losing some of the formality.

is superior to that of

Emphasizes a higher degree of quality or advantage.

is favored over that of

Highlights the act of choosing one option over another.

is preferred over that of

Similar to 'favored' but with a slightly more formal tone.

is more desirable than that of

Focuses on the attractiveness or desirability of one option.

is advantageous compared to that of

Highlights the benefits and advantages of one option.

is a better alternative than that of

Explicitly identifies the preferred option as an alternative.

is more suitable than that of

Emphasizes the appropriateness of one option for a specific purpose.

is a superior choice to that of

Highlights the act of making a choice and the superiority of the chosen option.

is a more compelling option than that of

Stresses that one option is more convincing or attractive.

FAQs

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

Use "is preferable to that of" to compare two options, indicating that one is more desirable. For example, "Working from home is preferable to that of commuting daily because it saves time and reduces stress."

What are some alternatives to "is preferable to that of"?

You can use alternatives like "is better than that of", "is superior to that of", or "is favored over that of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is preferable to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is preferable to" is grammatically correct. The addition of "that of" simply clarifies the comparison when referring back to a previously mentioned item or situation. For example: "The current model is preferable to the performance of the previous model, that is, preferable to that of the previous model."

When is it appropriate to use "is preferable to that of" instead of just "is preferable to"?

Use "is preferable to that of" when comparing to a previously mentioned noun to avoid repetition. For instance, instead of saying "The climate in San Diego is preferable to the climate in Seattle", you can say "The climate in San Diego is preferable to that of Seattle."