preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “preference for” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone’s particular liking or inclination towards something. For example: “John has a preference for red wines.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consumer preference for exciting designs?

The Economist

Governments reinforced the preference for local stuff.

The Economist

Preference for freshmen and sophomores.

Stanford University

Declare a preference for the Odyssey.

The New Yorker

Why the preference for Hastert over Gingrich?

The New York Times - Magazine

Note their preference for Middle English spelling.

The Guardian

Moreover, the preference for English was widespread.

The New York Times

Williams always had a preference for "thugs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Declare a preference for the Iliad.

The New Yorker

But she expressed a preference for Canada.

The Washington Post

Results indicate strong preference for joint retirement.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing choices, use "preference for" to clearly communicate a specific inclination towards one option over others.

Common error

Avoid redundant phrasing such as "preference for X over Y" when simply stating a "preference for X" already implies a choice. Instead, use "prefer X over Y" if directly comparing options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preference for" functions as a noun phrase, indicating a particular liking or inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preference for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a particular liking or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Science. It’s crucial to avoid redundant phrasing like "preference for X over Y" and instead use "prefer X over Y" when directly comparing options. When used correctly, "preference for" effectively conveys a specific liking or inclination, adding clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaning towards

Replaces "preference" with "leaning", emphasizing a tendency or inclination.

liking for

Substitutes "preference" with the simpler term "liking", denoting fondness.

fondness for

Replaces "preference" with "fondness", indicating affection or warmth.

inclination towards

Replaces "preference" with "inclination", emphasizing a leaning or tendency.

taste for

Substitutes "preference" with "taste", implying a refined liking.

predilection for

Employs "predilection", a more formal synonym for preference.

affinity for

Employs "affinity" to suggest a natural liking or connection.

partiality to

Uses "partiality" to suggest a leaning or inclination, often implying a bias.

favoritism towards

Uses "favoritism" to suggest a bias or partiality.

propensity for

Uses "propensity" to suggest a natural tendency or inclination.

FAQs

How to use "preference for" in a sentence?

Use "preference for" to indicate a particular liking or inclination. For example, "She has a strong "preference for" dark chocolate".

What can I say instead of "preference for"?

You can use alternatives like "liking for", "inclination towards", or "fondness for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "preference for" or "preferred over"?

"Preference for" indicates a general liking, while "preferred over" directly compares two options. Use "preference for" when stating a general inclination and "preferred over" when making a direct comparison.

What's the difference between "preference for" and "affinity for"?

"Preference for" suggests a conscious choice or liking, while "affinity for" implies a natural connection or liking. "Preference" can be a matter of choice, while "affinity" suggests a deeper, inherent connection.