prefer over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prefer over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to compare two things and express that one is preferred. For example, "I prefer espresso over cappuccino."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Most of the larger apartments are co-ops rather than condos and, as important, they tend to have old-world details, which some buyers prefer over similar size condos that generally have less elaborate details," said Ms. Beck.

The New York Times

The most helpful universities have a list of A-levels they "prefer" over others.

The Guardian

Ewenczyk said Chabad provides a smaller, "warmer" environment that some students might prefer over the larger CJL.

Princeton University

The use of stainless steel, which architects like Mr. Bystrup prefer over the galvanized steel traditionally used, causes problems.

The New York Times

The tall pacer is still only just turned 25 – or, if you prefer, over seven years younger than Mitchell Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

A traditional folk song recorded at the Gaslight, the one Village coffeehouse Mr. Dylan seemed to prefer over the others.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Triangular buckles are preferred over the formation of rectangular buckles.

Acta Materialia

For practical purposes, electrical power is preferred over heat energy.

Energy

Otherwise, constant delays are to be preferred over variable ones.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Individual sulcal anatomy should be preferred over mean atlas locations.

NeuroImage

Cycling and kite-boarding are preferred over golf.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prefer over", ensure that the comparison is clear and that both options are explicitly stated. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "more prefer over" as "prefer" already implies a comparative. Sticking to "prefer over" maintains conciseness and grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prefer over" serves as a comparative verb phrase, indicating a choice or inclination towards one option rather than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It directly expresses preference, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prefer over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express preference for one thing compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful construction. While appropriate for various contexts, it appears most commonly in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic settings. When using "prefer over", clarity in comparison is key, and redundancy should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "favor over" or "choose over" for subtle shifts in meaning. With these insights, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "prefer over" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favor over

Emphasizes a positive inclination towards one option compared to another.

choose over

Highlights the act of making a selection from multiple options.

opt for over

Indicates a deliberate decision to select one thing in place of another.

would rather have

Expresses a wish or desire for one option over another.

select rather than

Focuses on the choice made while explicitly excluding an alternative.

lean towards instead of

Suggests a tendency or inclination, rather than a firm decision.

pick over

An informal way to indicate selecting something from a range of options.

take precedence over

Implies a priority or importance that one thing has over another.

give preference to

A more formal way of expressing that one thing is favored.

have a preference for

Simply states the existence of a liking for something more than another.

FAQs

How can I use "prefer over" in a sentence?

Use "prefer over" to show that you like something more than something else. For instance, "I "prefer tea over coffee" in the morning."

What is a synonym for "prefer over"?

Alternatives to "prefer over" include "favor over", "choose over", or "opt for over", each with slight nuances in meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more prefer over"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The word "prefer" already indicates a comparison, so adding "more" is redundant. Use "prefer over" directly.

What's the difference between "prefer over" and "prefer to"?

"Prefer over" is used to compare two nouns or noun phrases, while "prefer to" is typically followed by a verb. For example, "I "prefer cats over dogs"", but "I "prefer to walk" instead of driving."