preference in favor of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preference in favor of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or inclination towards one option over another. Example: "The committee expressed a clear preference in favor of the new policy proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Jefferson, he writes, claims that "the male orang-utan prefers the female black, as being of an order superior to himself; and for the same reason, the negro shows a decided preference in favor of the whites" — a notion he may have picked up "from some French traveler".

The New York Times

Putting the taste issue aside, however, we acknowledge a basic preference in favor of simple and clean ingredients.

Huffington Post

It is necessary to do more to ensure equal opportunity because researchers still find that employers show a strong preference in favor of white job applicants.

Huffington Post

Despite an initial, stable preference for lever C, rats rapidly reversed their preference in favor of lever S when both levers were rewarded (Fig. 5a).

Plosone

This may change an obese person's preference in favor of drug treatment.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

However, parasitoids with previous positive experience, while perceiving the odor of double infested plants, shifted their preference in favor of this odor.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The study's finding that preferences in favor of particular groups increase the number of members who are hired, promoted and so forth is obvious.

The New York Times

As a novel way to amend individual saving preferences in favor of future generations, Sachs (2014) proposes to mitigate climate change by debt to be repaid by tax revenues on labor income in the future.

Columbia University

Based on the QTAIM and the electron localization function (ELF [43],[44]), geometrical preferences in favor of hydrogen bond formation were explained.

Chemistry Central Journal

These include controlling for sectoral shifts/deindustrialization, skill-biased technical change, social preferences in favor of greater inequality, the role of the finance sector, rising levels of formal schooling, and even the endogeneity of the union variable.19 In each case, the union argument proved robust, actually increasing in absolute magnitude vis-à-vis the benchmark equation.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

You have to set aside your own musical preferences in favor of acts who will attract as many guests as possible, or you'll also be broke really fast.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preference in favor of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being preferred and what it is being preferred over. Clarity is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid overuse by considering simpler alternatives like "favoring" or "preferring" when the longer phrase isn't necessary. This enhances readability and avoids redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preference in favor of" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a choice or bias toward something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression. It modifies a noun by specifying the direction of the preference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preference in favor of" is a grammatically correct and understandable prepositional phrase used to express a choice or inclination toward something. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "prefer" or "favor", it maintains a presence in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When crafting your sentences, remember to prioritize clarity and avoid overusing the phrase by considering more concise options when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination toward

Replaces "preference" with a synonym and uses "toward" instead of "in favor of" to indicate direction.

leaning toward

Uses a verb phrase to convey the idea of favoring something.

predisposition to

Emphasizes a tendency or inclination from the start.

partiality for

Highlights a biased inclination.

bias toward

Focuses on the inclination being a bias.

disposition toward

Emphasizes a natural tendency.

fondness for

Suggests a feeling of affection or liking.

affinity for

Implies a natural liking or connection.

favoritism toward

Indicates unfair preferential treatment.

propensity for

Highlights a natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way.

FAQs

How to use "preference in favor of" in a sentence?

You can use "preference in favor of" to indicate a choice for one option over another. For example: "The committee expressed a clear "preference in favor of" the new policy proposal".

What can I say instead of "preference in favor of"?

You can use alternatives like "inclination toward", "leaning toward", or "partiality for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "preference in favor of" or "preference for"?

Both "preference in favor of" and "preference for" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Preference in favor of" often implies a choice between two or more options, while "preference for" simply indicates a liking for something.

Is "preference in favor of" formal or informal?

"Preference in favor of" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, using "prefer" or "favor" might be more appropriate.