preferably so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferably so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preference for something to be done in a certain way or to express that a particular option is desired. Example: "If you could submit the report by Friday, preferably so, it would help us stay on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For instance, the CAM processing engine may serve most important CAMs preferably so that only least important CAMs are discarded.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

You want things to work, work right, and work a long time preferably so that you can concentrate on spending those two hours with your kid or your spouse or your mates or your partner or whoever — instead of figuring out what the best phone or sheets or chair to buy.

TechCrunch

On a computer preferably, so later you can search them for specific topics or dates.

WikiHow

Begin a normal "fake out", then move around the defender (preferably so that the arm which isn't carrying the ball is on the same side as the defender).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Again, friends think it oh-so-hilarious to make an afflicted person who desperately needs to urinate, laugh-preferably so they pee their pants.

WikiHow

And preferably something so exotic the diner has never eaten it or heard of it, and probably couldn't buy it anywhere within a thousand miles.

The New York Times - Food

If they threaten to dry out, you add water, preferably boiling, so as not to slow down the cooking, but don't worry if you forget.

The New York Times - Food

It would be fronted with glass, preferably seamless, so that you could see inside, and a giant speaker would hang off it, to amplify a performance for passersby.

The New Yorker

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, so that the flavors meld. 5. Prepare the sauce: Remove the terrines from the pans, drain and reserve the excess liquid and unmold onto a cutting board.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, it's tough to improve on a straightforward mayonnaise, preferably homemade so you can adjust the flavour to your own taste (I find most commercial varieties too vinegary, to say nothing of their weirdly jellified consistency).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And if that rules out at least half the population in one fell swoop, that doesn't mean we can't gaze in wonderment at the beauty of a perfectly formed leg, preferably one so well groomed that tights are not needed, and with a musculature to rival a racehorse's.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preferably so" when you want to emphasize that a particular course of action or outcome is more desirable than others, but not necessarily essential.

Common error

Avoid using "preferably so" excessively in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less professional than alternatives like "ideally" or "optimally".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferably so" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a desired or favored condition. It builds upon the base preference expressed by "preferably" and adds emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

20%

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preferably so" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express a preference, often with an implied benefit. While usable in various contexts, it's relatively rare and may be replaced by more concise or formal alternatives like "ideally" or "preferably" depending on the situation. Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples shows that it is used neutrally. Consider its impact on the overall tone of your writing and choose the most appropriate alternative based on context. The main contexts are Science, News & Media and WikiHow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ideally so

Almost identical in meaning but provides slightly more emphasis on the desired outcome.

preferably

A more concise way to express preference, lacking the reinforcing "so".

ideally

Expresses a perfect or optimal situation, differing from "preferably so" in its directness and lack of additional context.

optimally

Similar to "ideally", emphasizing the best possible outcome.

desirably

Highlights the desirability of a condition being met, rather than simply a preference.

if possible

Indicates a condition that something is favored if it can be achieved.

if feasible

Similar to "if possible" but focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the preference.

in a perfect world

Expresses a condition that is highly desirable but potentially unrealistic.

all things being equal

Indicates a preference assuming no other factors influence the situation.

by choice

Focuses on making a choice based on preference.

FAQs

How can I use "preferably so" in a sentence?

You can use "preferably so" to indicate a desired outcome or condition. For example, "Submit the report by Friday, preferably so, to maintain our schedule."

What phrases are similar to "preferably so"?

Alternatives to "preferably so" include "ideally", "preferably", or "if possible" depending on the context.

Is "preferably so" formal or informal?

"Preferably so" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts but might be replaced with more concise options in very formal documents.

When should I use "preferably so" instead of just "preferably"?

Use "preferably so" when you want to add emphasis to the preference and imply a consequence if the preference is met. "Preferably" is a more direct and concise way to express a simple preference.