it is preferable that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is preferable that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that one option is more desirable or advantageous than another. For example: "It is preferable that students arrive on time for class, so that the class can begin on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, it is preferable that you aren't.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is preferable that they be clean, efficient, gas-fired plants that emit few pollutants.

The New York Times

To be sure, it is preferable that all ongoing investigations proceed to their legal conclusion.

The New York Times

"If the Syrians want to reach an agreement, and it is preferable that an agreement be reached, good".

The New York Times

It is preferable that a better and truer version of events, however incomplete, should be constructed, even now, from the rubble of the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Either assign the topics or allow students to choose their own. It is preferable that every pair write about a different topic).

The New York Times

Maybe it is preferable that British democracy be tempered by a few hundred unelected and average lords than cede hegemony to a bunch of professional pols.

The Economist

It is preferable that Torah writers not be children, women, or those who do not cover their heads or don't honor the Sabbath, he said, adding, "A layman is not advised to touch it".

The New York Times

It is preferable that particles are later removed through urine as this implies that there has been no degradation.

Cancer Nanotechnology

To fully benefit from undersampled MRI, it is preferable that the design of adaptive sampling functions be performed online immediately before the main scan.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

It is preferable that a design of porous cordierite filter should have low pressure drop with high permeability while keeping the structural integrity.

Powder Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is preferable that" in formal writing or when providing recommendations based on expert opinion or established guidelines. This phrase adds a tone of authority and thoughtfulness to your suggestions.

Common error

Avoid using "it is preferable that" excessively, as it can lead to passive voice and weaken your writing. Instead, consider restructuring the sentence to emphasize the actor or agent of the preferred action for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "it is preferable that the system throws an alert", try "the system should throw an alert".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is preferable that" functions as a modal expression, indicating a recommendation or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. This phrase introduces a clause expressing a more desirable state or action, providing guidance or advice. It serves to frame a suggestion, as seen in examples like, "It is preferable that the same test be repeated for confirmation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is preferable that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase primarily functioning as a modal expression to offer recommendations or suggestions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, indicating a formal tone. When writing, remember that while this phrase is valuable for providing guidance, avoiding overuse can help maintain a direct and impactful writing style. For alternative phrasings, consider options such as "it is advisable that" or "it is recommended that", tailoring your choice to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is advisable that

Changes "preferable" to "advisable", focusing on the advice aspect.

it is recommended that

Substitutes "preferable" with "recommended", highlighting a suggestion based on some expertise.

it would be better if

Shifts to a conditional statement, using "better" to indicate a superior outcome.

it is advantageous that

Replaces "preferable" with "advantageous", emphasizing the benefits of a certain condition.

it is desirable that

Emphasizes the wish or desire for something to happen rather than a strict preference.

it is beneficial if

Focuses on the positive impact or benefit that results from a particular situation.

it's a good idea to

Offers a less formal way to suggest something, framing it as a generally positive action.

ideally

Uses an adverb to indicate that the following condition is what one would hope for in a perfect situation, condensing the expression.

one should consider

Presents a more open suggestion, advising thought about a potential action or condition.

it's best to

Simplifies the expression by using "best" to indicate the most favorable option.

FAQs

How do I use "it is preferable that" in a sentence?

Use "it is preferable that" to suggest that one course of action or situation is more desirable or advantageous than another. For example, "It is preferable that all data errors are accounted for in translational genomics research."

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

You can use alternatives such as "it is advisable that", "it is recommended that", or "it would be better if" depending on the context.

Is "it is preferable that" formal or informal?

"It is preferable that" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, or official contexts. In more casual settings, alternatives like "it's best to" or "it's a good idea to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it is preferable that" and "it is preferred that"?

While both phrases indicate a favored option, "it is preferable that" suggests a judgment based on objective advantages or benefits. "It is preferred that" implies a subjective liking or choice. The subtle difference influences the tone and context in which each phrase is used.