prefer this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prefer this" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a choice or liking for one option over another. Example: "I prefer this method for solving the problem." Alternative expressions include "favor this" and "choose this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I prefer this one.

The New York Times - Style

Much prefer this atmospheric tweet.

The Guardian

Citizens may prefer this outcome.

The Economist

The Lib Dems now prefer this idea.

The Economist

'But I prefer this,' he says.

The Guardian - Music

"I prefer this; I'm happy that way.

The Guardian - Music

I prefer this change of pace.

The Guardian

I prefer this kind of work".

The New York Times - Magazine

But, I think I prefer this one".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I much prefer this to the film.

The Guardian

"But a lot of people prefer this type of gym.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prefer this" to state a clear preference when comparing two or more objects or ideas. It is more concise and natural than saying "I have a preference for this".

Common error

Avoid using "than" after the phrase when making a direct comparison. While many people say "I prefer this than that", the grammatically correct preposition is "to", as in "I prefer this to that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prefer this" functions as a transitive verb followed by a demonstrative pronoun acting as the direct object. According to Ludwig, it is used to express a subjective inclination or a selection from a set of alternatives. It typically follows a subject (I, we, they, or a noun) and is frequently followed by a prepositional phrase starting with "to" when a comparison is explicit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prefer this" is a fundamental and widely accepted expression in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically correct and highly frequent phrase across a vast spectrum of professional and academic writing. Whether you are writing a scientific paper, a news article, or a casual how-to guide, "prefer this" remains the most natural way to express a comparative choice. It is particularly effective when used to justify a methodology or to highlight a preferred option in a list. Remember to follow it with the preposition "to" rather than "than" to maintain the highest standard of formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favor this

Standard American English variation often used in formal or editorial contexts.

choose this

Emphasizes the act of making a decision rather than just a subjective feeling.

select this

A more formal and clinical way of indicating a choice.

opt for this

Suggests a more deliberate selection from a set of available alternatives.

pick this

Informal and direct, commonly used in everyday spoken English.

go with this

A common idiomatic expression for finalizing a choice in casual settings.

like this better

A more informal and conversational way to express the same preference.

prioritize this

Implies that this option is given more importance or urgency than others.

lean toward this

Indicates a tentative preference or a partiality that is still forming.

single this out

Indicates selecting one specific option for special attention or approval.

FAQs

How to use "prefer this" in a sentence?

You can use "prefer this" to express a liking for one thing over another. For example, "I prefer this method of teaching because it is more interactive."

What can I say instead of "prefer this"?

Depending on the level of formality, you can use "<a href="/s/favor+this" target="_blank" rel="alternative">favor this", "<a href="/s/opt+for+this" target="_blank" rel="alternative">opt for this" or "<a href="/s/go+with+this" target="_blank" rel="alternative">go with this".

Which is correct, "prefer this to" or "prefer this than"?

The correct construction is "<a href="/s/prefer+this+to" target="_blank" rel="alternative">prefer this to". Using "than" is a common error that should be avoided in formal writing.

What is the difference between "prefer this" and "choose this"?

While both involve selection, "prefer this" describes your internal feeling or liking, whereas "<a href="/s/choose+this" target="_blank" rel="alternative">choose this" refers to the external action of making the selection.