preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'preference' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or opinion of preference for something or someone over others. For example: She had a preference for the red dress over the blue one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A preference for DiCaprio, though, isn't simply hormonal downtime – who you'd prefer when you're not choosing for genes – but rather an indication of preferences in the longer term.

The Guardian - Film

He also denied that Obeid was called in to help when NSW Maritime, the landowner, moved to seek expressions of interest from potential new lessees without giving existing retailers preference.

The Guardian

But he or she also has a conservative or communitarian side: most people are suspicious of change, want to live in stable communities, think people should take responsibility for themselves (and think today's welfare system discourages them from doing so), want to live in relatively traditional families and, without being flag-waving nationalists, think that national citizen preference matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Iowa caucus is really just to show preference, it does not result in selection of a national delegate as the primaries do as explained here.

The Guardian

"Our sweet tooth," he says, "is an evolved and instinctual preference for high-energy food.

The Guardian - Tech

I will jog long distances on coastal paths in preference to the burn of a short, fast session.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With any luck, we are approaching a period in which solid achievement will be given preference over superficial charm.

The Guardian - Opinion

He found that perceptions of masculinity altered across the menstrual cycle, with "a preference for more masculine faces when women are fertile".

The Guardian - Film

But the final result will depend on complicated preference flows.

The Guardian

Carr said the preference would be for a UN-sanctioned action, but if that was not possible, "the sheer horror" of the attack mandated a response.

The Guardian

The willingness of Sunni states to openly deploy their militaries is a marked departure from their long-held preference that the US use its powerful military to protect their regional interests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "preference" to signal a deliberate choice, especially in contexts where multiple options are available.

Common error

Avoid using "preference" when you mean "reference". "Preference" denotes a choice, while "reference" denotes a mention or source of information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preference" is as a noun, denoting a choice, liking, or inclination for one thing over another. Ludwig AI supports this as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "preference" functions as a noun to express choices or inclinations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and versatile across varied contexts. With very common usage, as shown in over 50 examples primarily from News & Media and Formal & Business sources, "preference" is suitable for neutral registers. When writing, remember to use "preference" to mean choice and not confuse with "reference" meaning source. Consider alternatives such as "inclination" or "predilection" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination

Focuses on a leaning or tendency, subtly differing from a conscious choice.

predilection

Implies a strong liking or bias, adding intensity to the idea of choice.

taste

Refers to a subjective liking, especially in aesthetic or sensory contexts.

penchant

Suggests a habitual attraction or fondness, indicating a recurring choice.

favoritism

Highlights the act of unfairly favoring one option or person over others.

option

Refers to a possibility or choice, shifting focus to the availability of selections.

selection

Emphasizes the act of choosing, often among multiple available items.

disposition

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination, broadening the concept to inherent qualities.

bias

Suggests a preformed opinion or prejudice, often unconscious and not necessarily rational.

priority

Focuses on the importance or precedence given to something, highlighting its value.

FAQs

How do you use "preference" in a sentence?

You can use "preference" to show a liking for one thing over another, as in, "My "preference" is coffee over tea".

What can I say instead of "preference"?

Alternatives include "inclination", "predilection", or "taste" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "preference" and "priority"?

"Preference" indicates a choice based on liking, while "priority" refers to something that is more important and needs to be dealt with first. You can have a "preference" for a certain brand, but giving your family's needs is a "priority".

Is it correct to say "I have a preference on"?

It's more common and grammatically sound to say "I have a "preference" for" or "I have a "preference" regarding". For example, "I have a "preference" for Italian food".