preferably to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferably to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a preference for a specific action or task to be undertaken. Example: "I would like to complete the project by next week, preferably to do it over the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They are, in fact, supposed to die, and preferably to do so without leaving a corpse for the dwindling public sector to transport, process and burn.

The Guardian - Opinion

The only way that Mourinho, a Portuguese coach, can possibly be lauded in Madrid is to break the cycle of Barcelona dominance, and preferably to do it in the elite European competition.

The New York Times - Sports

And most know they need to be there, preferably to do more than tickle young customers' funny bones with "really cool stuff".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But after the market panic of 2007 more humility is to be expected there too.A fourth piece of advice for the budding futurist: get embedded in a particular industry, preferably something to do with computing or national security or global warming.

The Economist

Their only salvation lies in repeating their allegiance to France's Republican values, preferably when pushed to do so on a live television show.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pair are now credited for capturing the birth of Generation X and the grunge scene, described by Peterson as "a supercharged lifestyle of expression, a familial community made up of stray dogs from every village who all had the same aching need for something to do, preferably loud and diverting".

Independent

Begin preparing personal statements and looking into programs as soon as you have a good idea of what you want to do, preferably early in your junior year.

Science Magazine

It was only later that she renegotiated for a faculty post, something she advises others to do, preferably during the initial negotiations, for both the credence and benefits such as tenure.

Science Magazine

Preferably, ask someone else to do it, while you start to clear the blocked airway in the baby.

WikiHow

By allowing them to do so, preferably part time, we will be improving all our economic futures.

The Guardian - Money

Each day set some time to do this, preferably first thing in the morning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preferably to do", ensure the context clearly indicates a genuine preference, not a requirement. It implies an option that is considered more desirable but not mandatory.

Common error

Avoid using "preferably to do" when the action is actually essential. This phrase suggests a desirable option, not an obligation. If the action is required, use stronger language such as 'must' or 'should'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferably to do" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an infinitive phrase. It indicates a desired or favored action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct but not frequently used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preferably to do" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a preference for a particular action. While Ludwig indicates its correctness, the phrase is relatively rare, appearing mostly in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. Alternatives like "ideally to do" or "it is best to do" may offer greater clarity or fit the register more appropriately. When using "preferably to do", ensure it truly reflects a preference rather than an obligation to avoid misleading the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ideally to perform

Replaces 'preferably' with 'ideally', suggesting a perfect, rather than simply preferred, scenario.

ideally to do

Replaces 'preferably' with 'ideally', suggesting a perfect, rather than simply preferred, scenario.

ideally to carry out

Uses 'carry out' instead of 'do', adding a slightly more formal tone and emphasizing the execution of the action.

it is best to do

Replaces the adverb with a clause emphasizing optimal action.

it's better to do

Replaces the adverb with a clause expressing a simple comparative preference.

it would be better to do

Adds a conditional tone, suggesting the preference is contingent.

it would be preferable to do

Replaces with a formal conditional clause.

ideally it should be done

Expresses the preference with passive voice.

the best course of action is to do

Significantly alters the structure to emphasize the optimal approach.

doing it would be best

Focuses on the action, making it the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "preferably to do" in a sentence?

You can use "preferably to do" when expressing a preference for a specific action or task. For instance, 'I would like to complete the project by next week, preferably to do it over the weekend.'

What phrases are similar to "preferably to do"?

Alternatives include "ideally to do", "it is best to do", or "it's better to do", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "preferably to do" grammatically correct?

Yes, "preferably to do" is grammatically correct, though it's less common than other ways of expressing preference. It functions as an adverb modifying an infinitive phrase.

When should I avoid using "preferably to do"?

Avoid using "preferably to do" in situations where the action is a strict requirement rather than a preferred option. In such cases, use phrases like "must do" or "should do".