preferential consideration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferential consideration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is given priority or special attention over others, often in decision-making processes or evaluations. Example: "Applicants who meet the criteria will receive preferential consideration during the hiring process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The artist Ryan Gander has drawn up plans for a postgraduate art academy that would give preferential consideration to poorer applicants.

The Guardian

To that end, the Army has instituted incentives for officers who choose the program: They will receive preferential consideration for assignments commanding battalions and brigades in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

But Mr. Waxman persisted with questions about whether Halliburton had received preferential consideration in the award process even after the results of an audit by the Defense Department in January.

The New York Times

Perhaps this is why Barack Obama has questioned publicly whether his children should benefit from them and also why leading voices on the black left — Cornel West comes to mind — have proposed that college admissions programs give preferential consideration based on economic class.

The New York Times

"There's a question whether big cultural organisations like Tate or the Barbican could themselves provide a space where [emerging artists] could come together in the way that Open School East works". The artist Ryan Gander has drawn up plans for a postgraduate art academy that would give preferential consideration to poorer applicants.

The Guardian

In the Ivy League, where the university presidents sometimes exert rigorous control of sports teams and can grow suspicious of too much athletic success, there may be no more prickly subject than the notion that athletes receive unduly preferential consideration in the admissions process.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Far more common are the affirmative action programs engaged by most elite schools known as 'legacy admissions.' Children of graduates at these schools are given preferential admission consideration.

Huffington Post

Despite the simplicity and utility of self-contained diagnostic tests such as the GeneXpert system, these are twice as expensive as LPAs in a country like Korea that does not qualify for preferential pricing considerations.

BMC Infectious Diseases

An a priori analysis of the flamelet model for diffusion flames is conducted to systematically assess model assumptions that are associated with the asymptotic expansion, the omission of higher-order expansion terms, the consideration of preferential diffusion effects, and the one-dimensional flamelet representation.

Combustion and Flame

In [36], the authors report interesting considerations about preferential inversions in case the of images processed by demosaicing algorithms.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

South Korea's bankers insist that such preferential treatment is given only after careful consideration of a client's future prospects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing selection processes, use "preferential consideration" to indicate that certain candidates or applications are given an advantage based on specific criteria. For instance, mention that veterans receive "preferential consideration" in hiring.

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "preferential consideration". Overusing it or applying it without clear justification can create perceptions of bias or unfairness. Always ensure the criteria for granting such consideration are transparent and equitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferential consideration" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a state of being favored or given priority in a particular process or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preferential consideration" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies giving priority or special attention in a decision-making process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it commonly appears in academic, news, and scientific sources, maintaining a formal to neutral register. While its frequent use suggests a common understanding, it's crucial to apply it judiciously to avoid perceptions of unfairness. Alternatives like ""priority consideration"" and "special attention" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase finds common use in discussing college admissions, hiring practices, and policy decisions, often sparking debates about equity and fairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

priority consideration

Emphasizes the aspect of being given precedence over others.

special consideration

Highlights the unique attention given, often implying individual circumstances are taken into account.

favorable treatment

Focuses on the positive or advantageous handling received.

priority handling

Suggests an expedited process or immediate attention.

advantageous consideration

Highlights the beneficial aspect of the consideration.

favored status

Implies a privileged position or rank.

priority access

Focuses on earlier or exclusive opportunity.

privileged consideration

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the attention given.

elite treatment

Conveys a sense of superior or exclusive handling.

special attention

Focuses on the specific focus and care given.

FAQs

How is "preferential consideration" typically used in college admissions?

In college admissions, "preferential consideration" often refers to giving advantages to certain applicant groups, such as children of alumni or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the specifics can vary significantly between institutions, and some practices, like legacy admissions, are increasingly debated for fairness. Some institutions might give "priority consideration" to students from underserved areas.

What are some synonyms for "preferential consideration" that I can use in professional writing?

In professional contexts, you can use alternatives such as ""priority consideration"", "special consideration", or "favorable treatment" to convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is it correct to use "preferential consideration" in a sentence about job applications?

Yes, it is correct. For example, you might say, "Veterans will receive "preferential consideration" in the hiring process." However, ensure that the criteria for this consideration are clearly defined and align with legal and ethical standards.

What's the difference between "preferential consideration" and "equal opportunity"?

"Preferential consideration" implies giving advantages to specific groups, while "equal opportunity" aims to provide a fair playing field for all candidates, regardless of background. These concepts are often contrasted in discussions about affirmative action and diversity initiatives.