more preferable than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more preferable than" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct form is simply "preferable to." Example: "This option is preferable to the other choices available."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Natural water circulation was found more preferable than forced circulation in this hybrid solar collector system.

Applied Thermal Engineering

As a result, motion of Ag or Cu ions is more preferable than O anions in ECM devices.

Nature

In addition, it is shown that distributed hydrogen generation is more preferable than H2 delivery in environmental and economic comparison.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

"The trauma of travelling to England and the secrecy was much more preferable than it would have been to tell my family," she said.

The Guardian

According to findings, interfaces that have high-speed, minimal memory load, adaptive behavior, low content density, and customization features are more preferable than those that do not.

Computers in Human Behavior

The integration of reaction and separation in one single process unit is generally more preferable than their application individually, which allows less energy consumption and environmental impacts.

Separation and Purification Technology

Friends of the Earth says that, purely in terms of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, buying a more fuel-efficient new car is broadly speaking more preferable than choosing a less fuel-efficient second-hand car.

The Guardian - Money

It is also shown that for in-sag locations, a double-grate inlet is more preferable than the single one, because the former tends to reduce the adverse hydraulic effect of total inflow on water spread width.

Journal of Environmental Management

Our results indicate that the SF nanofiber matrix may be more preferable than SF film and SF microfiber matrices for biomedical applications, such as wound dressings and scaffolds for tissue engineering.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Contrary to Cidell and Beata's findings, the reanalysis shows that the indoor environmental quality (aspatial) category seems to be more preferable than the sustainable sites and energy and atmosphere (spatially sensitive) categories for LEED projects in the United States.

Landscape and Urban Planning

But Senate Democratic leadership aides say pulling back on the universality of background checks is very likely to be more preferable than jettisoning the record-keeping that law enforcement wants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "more preferable than" in formal writing. The correct and more concise form is "preferable to".

Common error

Using "more preferable than" is redundant because "preferable" already implies a comparison. Stick to "preferable to" for clear and grammatically sound writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more preferable than" functions as a comparative, attempting to express a higher degree of preference. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically incorrect, as "preferable" already implies comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "more preferable than" is commonly encountered, its use is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI clarifies, "preferable" inherently expresses comparison, rendering "more" redundant. Despite its prevalence in sources spanning science, news, and general content, aiming for grammatical precision necessitates opting for /s/preferable+to or alternatives such as "more desirable than" or "better than", especially in formal and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferable to

The grammatically correct alternative to "more preferable than", expressing a liking for one thing over another.

more desirable than

Emphasizes attractiveness and wanting something over another, focusing on desirability rather than just preference.

better than

A simpler and more direct way to indicate that one option is superior to another.

more advantageous than

Highlights the benefits of one option over another, focusing on practical advantages.

more beneficial than

Focuses on the positive outcomes or advantages offered by one option compared to another.

superior to

Indicates a higher quality or rank compared to something else, a more formal expression.

more suitable than

Suggests that one option is better aligned with specific needs or requirements.

more appropriate than

Indicates that one option is more fitting or right for a particular situation.

more fitting than

Similar to 'more appropriate', but perhaps emphasizing a better match in terms of style or design.

more welcome than

Suggests something is received with greater pleasure or approval.

FAQs

Why is "more preferable than" considered incorrect?

The word "preferable" already implies a comparison, making the use of "more" redundant. Saying something is "preferable" means it is already considered better or more suitable than something else. Therefore, "more preferable than" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is simply "preferable to".

What's a grammatically correct alternative to "more preferable than"?

The grammatically correct alternative is /s/preferable+to. You can also use alternatives like "more desirable than" or "better than" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "more preferable than" in informal writing or speech?

While it's commonly used, especially in spoken English, "more preferable than" is technically incorrect. If you're aiming for precision and grammatical correctness, it's best to stick to /s/preferable+to, even in informal contexts.

How can I remember to use "preferable to" instead of "more preferable than"?

Think of "preferable" as already meaning "more preferred". Just like you wouldn't say "more better", avoid saying "more preferable". Instead, use the concise and correct phrase /s/preferable+to.