matter of preference

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of preference" is both correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to something in which there is no right or wrong choice to be made - it is simply a choice between two different options that is made according to personal taste. For example, you might say, “Whether you prefer a city or a rural lifestyle is a matter of preference.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Choosing a katana: Choosing a katana is mostly a matter of preference: some prefer heavier katana, while others like lighter; same goes for length.

WikiHow

This is often framed as a matter of preference — people in China and India seem to prefer other phones — but it really has to do with economics: iPhones are expensive.

The New Yorker

It's a matter of preference.

The New York Times

It's just a matter of preference.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The effects are the same, it's just a matter of preference.

The Guardian - Travel

Have I missed a breakthrough in research establishing that sexual orientation is a matter of preference?

The New York Times - Books

And then it will be a matter of preference or debate among us as to which date, which event, actually kicked that off.

The New Yorker

She drops her cheerful poise for an instant and carefully picks her way through an answer: It's not a matter of preference.

The New York Times - Arts

A physical keyboard is not necessarily better than a virtual "soft" keyboard (which is a picture of a keyboard on a touch screen); it's a matter of preference.

The New York Times - Tech

But I object to the notion that whether the tribe I studied is called "Yanomamö" or "Yanomami" is merely a matter of preference.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is convinced that many people drive alone as a matter of preference, not because their schedules leave them no choice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of preference", ensure the context clearly indicates that there is no objectively better option; the choice simply depends on individual taste or needs.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as a "matter of preference" when objective factors significantly influence the decision. For instance, claiming that choosing between a safe and unsafe product is simply a matter of preference would be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of preference" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI also states, this phrase indicates a choice or decision that depends on personal taste or subjective criteria rather than objective standards. In the examples, it's used to express that various choices are based on individual liking or inclination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of preference" is a versatile phrase used to denote that a decision or choice hinges on personal taste rather than objective facts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news media and general discussions. While synonyms like "personal taste" or "subjective choice" exist, the specific nuance of "matter of preference" makes it a valuable tool in expressing individual autonomy in decision-making. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects a subjective choice, avoiding its application where objective criteria should prevail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjective choice

Highlights the personal and individual nature of the decision.

personal taste

Emphasizes the role of individual liking in the selection.

individual inclination

Focuses on a person's natural tendency or urge to choose something.

personal selection

Stresses that the choice is made by an individual.

optional decision

Highlights the freedom to choose without any obligation.

choice is up to you

Directly indicates that the decision rests with the individual.

depends on personal liking

The decision is based on what someone likes.

a question of taste

Frames the decision as being driven by personal aesthetic judgement.

up to one's discretion

Emphasizes the freedom to decide based on one's own judgement.

down to individual choice

The ultimate decision relies on the person doing the choosing.

FAQs

How can I use "matter of preference" in a sentence?

You can use "matter of preference" to indicate that a choice is based on personal taste, not on objective criteria. For example, "Whether you prefer tea or coffee is a matter of preference."

What's a good substitute for "matter of preference"?

Alternatives include "personal taste", "subjective choice", or "individual inclination", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to say something is "a matter of preference"?

Yes, it's incorrect when objective criteria actually dictate the best choice. For example, saying that choosing a qualified doctor over an unqualified one is "a matter of preference" is inaccurate.

What is the difference between "matter of preference" and "matter of opinion"?

"Matter of preference" implies a choice based on personal taste, while "matter of opinion" suggests a belief or judgment that may or may not be based on personal taste. Something can be a matter of preference, a matter of opinion, or both.