prefer one another

USAGE SUMMARY

'prefer one another' is a valid phrase in written English.
It's typically used to express that two people or groups of people have a mutual appreciation for each other. For example: "The two teams had a friendly rivalry, preferring one another despite their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Floret is a new dating app that focuses on a common problem known as the stable marriage problem, which essentially means that elements in a group are matched based on preferences, without any two elements in the group preferring one another over their original match.

TechCrunch

Friday is Prefer Day ("Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another," Romans 12 10), which means, for example, letting your sibling pick the hymn the family will sing in the morning.

The New York Times - Magazine

To prefer one over another is to assert a merely personal bias for Le Bernardin's Gallic froideur, Milos's Greek exuberance or RM's understatement and calm.

The New York Times - Magazine

To prefer one to another is to heed an impulse that we can barely explain, but to crank up that preference into a principle — let alone a definitive list — is asking for trouble.

The New Yorker

Why would we prefer one to another?

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery

When such study results prefer one approach over another, based on a single PRO with validity concerns, the PRO's clinimetric characteristics must be considered and why concurrent PROs were not used in such studies.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

While others might prefer one dancer over another in these parts, the whole evening passed delightfully on Friday, to the evident pleasure of the large audience, which as usual included a large contingent of festively dressed little girls.

The New York Times - Arts

Patient- and person-reported preferences (PRP) refer to preferences to choose or to prefer one item more than another (e.g., a therapy component).

Health Economics Review

Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions or prefer one religion over another.

The New York Times

Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid all religions or prefer one religion to another".

The New Yorker

A thousand micro-thoughts combine to determine why I may prefer one person to another – some helpful, some not so.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prefer one another" when describing a mutual liking or when entities choose each other over alternatives, particularly in contexts where reciprocity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "prefer one another" when the preference is not mutual or reciprocal. If only one party has the preference, use "prefer the other" or "prefer [name]".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prefer one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual preference between two or more entities. Ludwig shows that it's used in contexts describing relationships and choices. It implies a mutual action where each party holds the other in higher regard.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prefer one another" describes a mutual preference or liking between two or more parties. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and used to indicate reciprocal actions. While rare, its usage is primarily seen in news, media, and scientific contexts. To ensure correct usage, remember that the preference must be mutual; otherwise, consider alternative phrasing. Related phrases like "favor each other" or "esteem each other" can also convey similar meanings depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favor each other

Emphasizes mutual favor or positive regard.

appreciate each other

Stresses mutual acknowledgment and gratitude for qualities or actions.

esteem each other

Highlights mutual respect and high regard.

value one another

Focuses on the mutual appreciation of worth and importance.

like each other more

Indicates a higher degree of mutual affection.

hold each other in high regard

Highlights a formal and respectful mutual appreciation.

think highly of one another

Emphasizes positive opinions and respect between individuals.

regard each other favorably

Suggests a positive and approving attitude between parties.

be partial to each other

Indicates a biased liking or preference between individuals.

support each other

Focuses on mutual assistance and encouragement.

FAQs

How can I use "prefer one another" in a sentence?

You can use "prefer one another" to describe a mutual liking or choice between two or more parties. For example, "Despite their different backgrounds, the siblings "appreciated one another"."

What's a good alternative to "prefer one another"?

Alternatives include "favor each other", "esteem each other", or "value one another", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "prefer each other" instead of "prefer one another"?

Yes, "prefer each other" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "prefer one another". Both phrases indicate a mutual preference.

What is the difference between "prefer one another" and simply "like each other"?

"Prefer one another" implies a conscious choice or prioritization, while "like each other" simply suggests a feeling of mutual fondness. The former is more specific about making a selection, the latter is a general feeling.