it would be preferable

USAGE SUMMARY

"it would be preferable" is correct and is used in written English to suggest that one choice is better or more desirable than another.
For example: "It would be preferable to take a taxi to the airport rather than the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would be preferable in every possible way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It would be preferable that you return first".

The New York Times - Arts

But it would be preferable to an open struggle for power in the country.

The New York Times

Obviously, it would be preferable if they all made full contributions today.

The New York Times

From the farmers', and the retailers', point of view I'm sure it would be preferable.

Independent

"It would be preferable if we continued to hold these posts in the future," he said.

The New York Times

It would be preferable to make this outside board truly outside and credible".

The New York Times

Do I think it would be preferable to not deal with him?

The New York Times - Magazine

It would be preferable to see him do a simple ball fake without the extreme body movement.

The New York Times

But hope springs eternal, and some plaintiffs are being told that it would be preferable to wait.

The New York Times

It would be preferable to have some respite from buying and selling, some separation between private and public life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it would be preferable", clearly state what the alternative is and why the suggested option is better. Providing a reason enhances the persuasiveness of your recommendation.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice when using "it would be preferable". Instead of saying "It would be preferable for the report to be submitted early", try "Submitting the report early would be preferable". This makes the sentence more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be preferable" functions as a conditional suggestion or recommendation. It introduces a course of action that is considered more desirable than an alternative. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It would be preferable" is a versatile phrase used to express a suggested course of action or choice, with an inherent comparison to another unstated option. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English, spanning across diverse fields such as science, news, and business. When employing "it would be preferable", ensure clarity by explicitly stating the alternative and justifying the preference. Steer clear of excessive passive voice to maintain sentence dynamism. By grasping these subtleties, you can wield "it would be preferable" to enrich your communication, ensuring its accuracy and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is better

A simpler and more direct way to express preference.

it is more desirable

Highlights the desirability aspect of the choice.

it is advisable

Replaces "would be preferable" with a more direct suggestion.

it would be wise

Emphasizes the prudence of the choice.

it is recommended

Indicates a formal endorsement, slightly stronger than preferable.

the preferred option is

Focuses on the option itself rather than the preference.

it is advantageous

Highlights the benefits of the preferred choice.

ideally, one should

Introduces an element of ideal circumstances.

one should consider

Suggests a thoughtful evaluation of the choice.

the optimal approach is

Implies that this choice is the best among all possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be preferable" in a sentence?

Use "it would be preferable" to suggest a better course of action or choice. For example, "It would be preferable to arrive early" suggests that arriving early is better than being late.

What are some alternatives to "it would be preferable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is advisable", "it is recommended", or "it is better" depending on the context.

Is "it would be preferable" formal or informal?

"It would be preferable" is generally considered neutral to formal. While acceptable in many contexts, consider alternatives like "it is advisable" for more formal settings or "it is better" for less formal situations.

What is the difference between "it would be preferable" and "it is preferable"?

"It would be preferable" introduces a conditional element, suggesting a preference in a hypothetical or less assertive way. "It is preferable" states a more direct and definite preference.