it prefers to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it prefers to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a preference or inclination of a subject towards a particular action or choice. Example: "The cat usually prefers to sleep in the sun rather than in its bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When foraging in trees, it prefers to use its beak and feet to climb between branches rather than flying.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Ferrari declined to comment on the record for this story. Seems it prefers to let its product speak for itself).

Forbes

Like any bully, it prefers to pick off its antagonists one by one.

The Economist

Exelon has not yet secured the refinancing and has suggested that it prefers to negotiate with its bondholders.

The New York Times

It prefers to carry out its own investigations, shrouded in a secrecy rivalled only by the way the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize is chosen.

Independent

It prefers to traffic in its own reality.

Huffington Post

This ray is capable of injuring humans with its venomous tail spines, though it prefers to flee if threatened.

Wikipedia

It prefers to creep up on its prey and then pounce, like a snake.

The New York Times

Rather than admit that, it prefers to attack the credibility of its critics.

The New York Times

Instead of zeroing in on its characters' heated confrontations, in most cases it prefers to show their aftermath.

The New York Times

Instead, it prefers to await confirmation from a number of its other indicators that a bottom has been formed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize a deliberate choice, consider pairing "it prefers to" with action verbs that highlight intention, such as "select", "choose", or "opt".

Common error

Avoid using "it prefers to" when a simpler verb like "likes" or "enjoys" would suffice, particularly in informal contexts. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it prefers to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a subject's inclination or favored action. It often sets up a contrast, implying that other options are less desirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it prefers to" is a versatile phrase that effectively communicates a subject's preference or inclination. As Ludwig AI clearly indicates, the expression is grammatically correct and frequently used across a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. Although "it prefers to" can be replaced with other phrases like "it tends to" or "it is inclined to", it uniquely emphasizes a conscious choice or stronger liking. When writing, it's best practice to use "it prefers to" where a contrast needs to be conveyed. However, be mindful not to overuse it in simple statements. By understanding its function, purpose, register, and common usage patterns, you can confidently and appropriately incorporate "it prefers to" in your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it tends to

Indicates a general inclination rather than a specific preference.

it is inclined to

Formal way to state a preference or tendency.

it inclines to

Suggests a leaning or predisposition towards something.

it has a preference for

Explicitly states the existence of a preference.

it favors

Emphasizes a stronger positive bias or support.

it leans towards

Implies a direction or gravitation towards a specific option.

it gravitates to

Suggests a natural or strong attraction.

it chooses to

Highlights the conscious decision-making process.

it is prone to

Highlights a susceptibility or likelihood.

it is wont to

Indicates a habitual or customary action.

FAQs

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

Use "it prefers to" to indicate a subject's inclination toward a particular action or choice over others. For example, "The company "it prefers to" invest in sustainable projects".

What are some alternatives to "it prefers to"?

You can use alternatives like "it tends to", "it is inclined to", or "it favors" to express a similar meaning to "it prefers to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it prefers to" instead of "it likes to"?

"It prefers to" is more formal than "it likes to" and is suitable for professional or academic writing where a more sophisticated tone is desired. "It likes to" is perfectly acceptable in informal writing.

Is "it prefers to" always interchangeable with "it tends to"?

While both phrases indicate a inclination, "it prefers to" implies a conscious choice or stronger liking, whereas "it tends to" suggests a habitual or more general tendency without necessarily implying a deliberate choice.