more preferable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more preferable to" is not correct in standard English usage.
The word "preferable" already implies a comparison, so "more" is redundant. Example: "This option is preferable to the other choices available."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A strong profile is more preferable to a key skills section.

The Guardian

Call it a bridge fuel or whatever, we see it as much more preferable to coal.

The New York Times

If the subject is in a suffering circumstance, it is all the more preferable to apply craft to the utmost.

The New York Times - Arts

"As a developer, I think it's much more preferable to do a few things and to do them well," Ms. Sunshine said.

The New York Times

We often saw herds of elephants, which was much more preferable to seeing one lone elephant, because the lone elephants can get kind of grouchy.

The New York Times

Trundling past Java's timeless rice paddies on slow but not uncomfortable trains is far more preferable to sitting on buses in traffic.

The Guardian - Travel

For the last 10 years, I've gone back and forth between Montreal and Toronto for work every week, so this is much more preferable to a hotel room.

The New York Times

"It's far more preferable to bring both sides together and get something done, and then you can argue over who did it.

The New York Times

It is a slim hope to hang your hat on but one that is more preferable to the apparent ideological hostility to the BBC of Whittingdale.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Si substrate is considered to be more preferable due to the availability of large wafer size and low price [12].

Nanoscale Research Letters

"Vaccination of badgers is a much more preferable route to go down but we need to get that working".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing preference, avoid redundancy by using "preferable to" instead of "more preferable to". "Preferable" already implies a comparison.

Common error

Don't use "more preferable to" because "preferable" already includes the idea of 'more'. Opt for shorter and grammatically correct alternatives such as "preferable to" or "better than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase, though common, functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to express that one thing is regarded with greater favor than another. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is redundant and should be avoided in favor of "preferable to."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more preferable to" is frequently used to express preference. However, Ludwig AI notes that it's grammatically redundant, as "preferable" inherently implies a comparison. While very common in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, simpler and more correct alternatives like ""preferable to"" or ""better than"" are recommended for clearer writing, especially in formal settings. Though its usage is widespread, awareness of its grammatical weakness can lead to more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better than

Replaces 'preferable' with a simpler, more direct comparison.

more desirable than

Substitutes 'preferable' with 'desirable', focusing on attractiveness.

superior to

Emphasizes a higher degree of quality or advantage.

more advantageous than

Highlights the benefits provided by one option over another.

a better option than

Rephrases to focus on the concept of a superior choice.

the preferred alternative to

Nominalizes the preference, making it a characteristic of the 'alternative'.

would rather have

Expresses preference in terms of personal desire.

inclined towards

Suggests a leaning or tendency in a specific direction.

drawn to

Implies an attraction towards a specific option.

partial to

Indicates a fondness or favoritism.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "more preferable to"?

No, it is generally considered incorrect. The word "preferable" already implies a comparison, making "more" redundant. It's better to simply say "preferable to" or use an alternative such as "better than".

What can I say instead of "more preferable to"?

You can use alternatives like "preferable to", "better than", or "more desirable than" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "more preferable to" or "preferable to"?

"Preferable to" is the correct and grammatically sound option. "More preferable to" is redundant because "preferable" already implies a comparison. Using "preferable to" makes your writing more concise and correct.

What's the difference between "more preferable to" and "better than"?

"More preferable to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to the redundant use of "more". "Better than" is a grammatically correct and simpler way to express that one thing is of a higher standard or more suitable than another. They both express preference, but "better than" is the more appropriate choice.