preference will be given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preference will be given" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as job postings or applications to indicate that certain candidates or options will be favored over others. Example: "In this hiring process, preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience and qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Preference will be given to senior students.

Stanford University

Preference will be given to masters students, then doctoral students.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Preference will be given to papers with strong, quantitative results.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Preference will be given to land trusts with management experience.

Cornell University

Preference will be given to second year students.

University of California, Berkeley

Preference will be given to master's students, then doctoral students.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Preference will be given to students with additional language study.

Stanford University

Some preference will be given to new entrants and new destinations.

The New York Times

Preference will be given to students in the joint J.D./M.B.A. program.

Cornell University

Preference will be given to detail-oriented applicants with programming experience and strong communications skills.

Yale University

Preference will be given to students associated with Course 12. Enrollment limited; students should apply early.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preference will be given", clearly state the criteria for preference to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. For example, specify which qualifications or attributes will be favored.

Common error

Avoid using "preference will be given" without clearly defining why a particular choice is favored. Unspecified preferences can lead to perceptions of bias or unfairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preference will be given" functions as a means of indicating that certain criteria or attributes will be favored in a selection process. This is according to Ludwig, a passive construction commonly used in formal announcements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preference will be given" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that certain criteria will be favored in a selection process. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is frequently used in academic and professional contexts to communicate transparently how decisions will be made. While acceptable, consider using the active voice for directness. Common alternatives include "priority will be given" or "special consideration will be given". Remember to clearly specify the basis for preference to avoid ambiguity or perceptions of bias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

priority will be given

Emphasizes that something will be treated as more important than other things.

special consideration will be given

Highlights the act of carefully thinking about something before making a decision.

emphasis will be placed

Highlights that specific attention or importance will be directed towards something.

favor will be shown

Suggests that someone or something will receive preferential treatment.

a premium will be placed

Indicates that great value or importance will be given to something.

consideration will be made

Implies that something will be taken into account or given attention.

advantage will be granted

Indicates that a benefit or privilege will be conferred upon someone or something.

special attention will be paid

Stresses that particular care and focus will be directed towards something.

recognition will be given

Suggests that someone or something will receive acknowledgement or praise.

a higher rank will be assigned

Indicates that something will be placed in a more important position.

FAQs

What does "preference will be given" mean?

It means that in a selection process, certain attributes or candidates will be favored over others. The specific reasons for this preference should ideally be stated clearly.

How can I use "preference will be given" in a sentence?

Example: "Preference will be given to candidates with experience." Ensure you clarify the criteria for preference.

What are some alternatives to "preference will be given"?

You can use phrases like "priority will be given", "special consideration will be given", or "favor will be shown", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when expressing preference?

While "preference will be given" is grammatically correct, using active voice (e.g., "We will prioritize..." or "We prefer...") can often be more direct and transparent.