it prefers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it prefers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a choice or inclination of a subject, often in contexts related to preferences or tastes. Example: "When given the option between coffee and tea, it prefers tea for its milder flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The common name refers to its color and as it prefers seclusion.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

It prefers to traffic in its own reality.

Huffington Post

Its soil and environmental requirements are broad, but it prefers well-drained soils and good sunlight.

Columbia University

It prefers optical scanners.

The New York Times

"It prefers high".

The New York Times

It prefers very damp soil.

The New York Times

It prefers settling on hard, chalky surfaces.

The Economist

It prefers ambiguity and questions.

The Guardian

It prefers to nudge rather than bully.

The Economist

Instead it prefers to sing.

The New York Times - Science

It prefers dramatic attacks that kill indiscriminately.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it prefers", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid shifting the subject without making it explicit. If you start a paragraph with "it prefers", do not switch to another subject mid-paragraph without clarifying the shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it prefers" functions as a verb phrase indicating a selection or inclination. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and widespread usage. It describes a subject's favored choice among alternatives, as seen in examples like "It prefers well-drained soils and good sunlight."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it prefers" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a subject's inclination or choice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, its usage spans from neutral to formal contexts. When employing "it prefers", it is vital to maintain clarity in subject reference and contextual consistency. Related phrases like "it favors" and "it leans towards" offer alternatives, each carrying subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it favors

Replaces "prefers" with "favors", suggesting a slightly stronger inclination.

it has a preference for

States the existence of a preference in a more descriptive manner.

it leans towards

Indicates a tendency or inclination without a definitive choice.

it opts for

Emphasizes the act of choosing or selecting something.

it is partial to

Suggests a fondness or special liking for something.

it is inclined to

Formal alternative suggesting a predisposition to choose something.

it tends to

Suggests a habitual or likely choice.

it has a penchant for

Suggests a strong liking or inclination, often for something specific.

it is drawn to

Implies an attraction or inclination toward something specific.

it gravitates towards

Implies a natural attraction or movement toward a specific option.

FAQs

How can I use "it prefers" in a sentence?

You can use "it prefers" to indicate a preference or inclination. For example, "The company says "it prefers" other environmental audits".

What are some alternatives to "it prefers"?

Alternatives to "it prefers" include phrases like "it favors", "it leans towards", or "it tends to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it prefers" and "it likes"?

"It prefers" suggests a more deliberate choice or inclination than "it likes". While "it likes" simply indicates enjoyment, "it prefers" implies a comparison and selection. For instance, while one might say "it likes both cats and dogs", it would say ""it prefers" dogs over cats because they're more active".

When is it appropriate to use "it prefers" in formal writing?

Using "it prefers" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly and concisely state a preference or inclination of a subject. It's suitable for reports, analyses, and other documents where clear communication is key.