particular preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'particular preference for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a specific, unique liking. For example: "She had a particular preference for blue roses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

(iii) A dominant epifaunal species, with particular preference for a species of economic importance.

Cornell University

However, African infants living in a Caucasian environment showed no particular preference for African or Caucasian faces.

University of California, Berkeley

Those specific designs were chosen on the grounds of simplicity of construction both experimentally and in FEM simulations (no particular preference for those designs is implied).

Applied Acoustics

Although in general we like to see some evidence of involvement and engagement in something outside of academic studies, we have no particular preference for the type of activity.

Cornell University

Jewish philosophers showed no particular preference for philosophical texts written by Jewish authors over those composed by Muslims, and in many cases the significant works of Jewish thinkers constituted a reply or a reaction to the ideas of Islamic philosophical and scientific writings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is because many authors of Aristotle commentaries — including some who had a particular preference for one or more of the earlier commentators — used the earlier commentaries on a case by case basis.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The Glassmans, who are in their early 50s, had no particular preferences for neighborhood.

The New York Times

It is known that many organisms show particular preferences for one of the several codons encoding a given amino acid.

BMC Biotechnology

Antenatal care is generally infrequent for women from rural areas, from poor households and with little education [ 7] and women have particular preferences for birth at home [ 8].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Since different organisms usually show particular preferences for one of the several codons that encode the same amino acid [35], optimized codon usage improves translational efficiency [36].

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy

Organisms do not use all synonymous codons with the same frequency and often show particular preferences for one of the several codons that encode the same amino acid.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that "particular preference for" is followed by a clear and specific object or idea. For instance, "a particular preference for classical music".

Common error

Avoid using "particular preference for" in situations where a general preference would suffice. Using it without a truly specific reason can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. For example, use "preference for tea" instead of "particular preference for tea" if there isn't a specific type of tea being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particular preference for" functions as a modifier, adding specificity to a general preference. It highlights a distinctive liking or inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

Academia

21%

News & Media

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particular preference for" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to emphasize a specific liking or inclination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions effectively across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news and general conversation. While the phrase is quite common, it is most frequently used in science and academia, followed by news and media. To ensure effective communication, remember to use it when you want to stress a specific choice or bias, and avoid overuse in general statements. Consider alternatives like "specific liking for" or "distinct inclination toward" when appropriate. The phrase's consistent application in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preference specifically for

Adds emphasis by repeating the idea of "specifically" choosing something

specific liking for

Focuses on the 'liking' aspect, emphasizing a positive feeling towards something specific.

special fondness for

Highlights affection or endearment as the reason for the preference.

distinct inclination toward

Emphasizes a tendency or leaning in a certain direction.

chosen liking for

Focuses on actively 'choosing' something liked

marked predilection for

Uses a more formal term ('predilection') to suggest a strong, almost inherent preference.

strong affinity for

Implies a natural connection or attraction to something.

keen interest in

Highlights a strong level of interest and engagement with a specific subject or activity.

decided partiality to

Indicates a clear bias or favoritism towards something.

certain penchant for

Suggests a habitual or strong inclination, often implying a unique or quirky element to the preference.

FAQs

How can I use "particular preference for" in a sentence?

You can use "particular preference for" to indicate a specific liking or inclination. For example, "She has a particular preference for dark chocolate" or "The company shows a particular preference for candidates with experience in data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "particular preference for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "specific liking for", "strong affinity for", or "distinct inclination toward".

Is it correct to say "a particular preference to" instead of "a particular preference for"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "particular preference" is "for". "A particular preference to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "particular preference for" followed by the object of the preference.

What's the difference between "preference for" and "particular preference for"?

"Preference for" indicates a general liking, while "particular preference for" emphasizes a specific and notable liking. For example, "preference for tea" indicates a general liking of tea, whereas "particular preference for Earl Grey tea" indicates a specific liking for Earl Grey tea.