preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show that something or someone is liked or favored more than others. Example sentence: "Her preferred ice cream flavor is strawberry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Political contests are, almost invariably, to be preferred to political coronations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quite apart from most players detesting such pitches, a handful of key England performers, including Steph Houghton, the influential captain, are still working their way back to match fitness following lengthy lay-offs and would have much preferred the rather more forgiving feel of grass beneath their feet.

The Guardian - Sport

According to Jane's memoir, Thorne wanted Penthouse – but Hawking preferred Private Eye.

The Guardian - Film

"Wonderbra" Beattie liked tits'n'bums; Abbott preferred Walter Bagehot.

The Guardian

Christina Patterson in the Sunday Times described the book as full of "filthy sex", while Amanda Craig in the Spectator preferred the term "graphic".

The Guardian - Books

They would have preferred to donate the embryos to science, but at the time, embryonic stem cell research was banned, so that choice was off the table.

The Guardian

But Beckett pointed to a survey suggesting people preferred to have a stable majority government led by one party.

The Guardian

I didn't watch the show of my own volition too much after immigrating to the US as a child (I was a nerd who preferred to read books), but it was often on at home following the family meal on Saturday evenings; if we had friends and family over at our apartment on Saturday night, spending time with them meant watching the show.

The Guardian - Opinion

The excitement that interviewers seek in vain when speaking to Henman is provided on the court, where the British number one plays a brand of attacking, serve-and-volley tennis that is rapidly being replaced by the baseline belting preferred by most of the new generation of players.

The Guardian - Sport

Jaruzelski preferred to emphasise his reformist credentials, claiming he had been the first Warsaw Pact leader to recognise the significance of Mikhail Gorbachev's ideas.

The Guardian

Many legislators preferred to reintroduce the law rather than risk a constitutional crisis should the prime minister be convicted during Italy's six-month EU presidency.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preferred", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being favored and why. This adds precision to your writing and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "preferred" simply as a filler word. Always ensure there's a genuine comparison or reason why something is favored over something else. State the other option, if relevant, to strengthen the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The word "preferred" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a state of being favored or chosen over alternatives. This is validated by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preferred" is a versatile adjective used to indicate a state of favor or choice. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across different registers. Its frequency in sources like the Guardian and The New York Times underscores its common usage in news and media, while also maintaining relevance in formal business and scientific writing. To enhance your writing with "preferred", ensure the context clarifies the reason for preference and avoid overuse without proper justification. Consider alternatives like "favored" or "chosen" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favored

Emphasizes a positive sentiment or bias towards something or someone, aligning closely with a subjective preference.

chosen

Highlights the act of selecting one option over others, implying a decision-making process.

option of choice

Highlights that among different choices, one is particularly appealing

selected

Similar to 'chosen' but often used in more formal contexts, emphasizing a deliberate selection.

desired

Indicates a strong wish or longing for something, suggesting a higher level of aspiration than a simple preference.

top pick

An informal way to describe something that is liked the best, frequently used in consumer contexts.

go-to

Describes something that is routinely chosen or used, implying reliability and familiarity.

nominated

Implies a formal selection, often for a position or award, deviating from the general sense of preference.

recommended

Suggests an endorsement or suggestion based on expertise or experience, not necessarily personal preference.

endorsed

Indicates official approval or support, moving further away from personal choice and leaning towards validation.

FAQs

How to use "preferred" in a sentence?

The word "preferred" can be used to indicate a choice or something favored over another. For example, "Her "preferred" method of communication is email."

What can I say instead of "preferred"?

You can use alternatives like "favored", "chosen", or "selected" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "preferred" and "favorite"?

"Preferred" often implies a rational or practical reason for choice, while "favorite" is more about emotional attachment. For example, one might have a "favorite" song but a "preferred" method of transportation.

Which is correct, "preferred" or "more preferred"?

"Preferred" already implies a comparison, so "more preferred" is usually redundant. It's generally better to simply use "preferred".