preferred option

USAGE SUMMARY

"preferred option" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a choice that you or someone else would prefer over other options. For example, "She chose the preferred option of ordering takeout instead of cooking a meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We don't have a preferred option.

The Guardian - Sport

A sexless relationship is not most people's preferred option.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An election is not the party's preferred option.

The Economist

For now, at least, this does not seem the preferred option.

The New York Times

Mr. Brown and Mr. Darling have said that nationalization was their least preferred option.

The New York Times

Johnson said: "[A merger with Five] is not our preferred option.

The Guardian

" Select your preferred option below "Website Restrictions.

WikiHow

Choose your preferred option and click the "Clear now" button.

WikiHow

Acceptance is always the preferred option.

The Guardian

For now, the preferred option is 99 percent.

The New York Times

Why? Place a cross by your preferred option: 1.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple choices, use "preferred option" to clearly indicate the most suitable or desirable choice. This adds clarity and guides the reader towards a specific recommendation.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse of the phrase "preferred option" in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "optimal selection" or "most suitable alternative" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred option" functions as a noun phrase, where 'preferred' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'option'. It describes a specific choice that is favored or considered the most suitable among others. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

31%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferred option" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a favored choice among multiple possibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread and clear. It functions as a noun phrase, with 'preferred' modifying 'option' to specify the most suitable or desirable selection. While versatile, avoiding overuse in highly formal writing may be prudent. Its frequent appearance in news, media, and scientific contexts demonstrates its relevance across various fields. Alternatives like "favored alternative" or "best choice" can provide variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favored alternative

Replaces "option" with "alternative" and "preferred" with "favored", slightly altering the tone.

best choice

Emphasizes the superiority of the selection, implying a higher degree of desirability.

ideal solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect, suggesting the option effectively addresses a need or issue.

optimal selection

Replaces "preferred" with "optimal", implying the best possible choice based on specific criteria.

recommended course of action

Shifts the focus to actions, suggesting the option is the advised way to proceed.

most suitable alternative

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the choice, implying a good fit for a specific context.

first choice

Indicates the initial or top selection, implying a ranking or ordering of options.

go-to solution

Implies a commonly used and reliable option that is readily available.

highly-regarded alternative

Highlights the positive reputation of the choice, implying widespread approval or appreciation.

prime candidate

Suggests the option is a leading contender or a strong possibility for selection.

FAQs

How can I use "preferred option" in a sentence?

You can use "preferred option" to indicate the most suitable or desirable choice among several possibilities. For instance, "The "preferred option" is to delay the project until funding is secured."

What are some alternatives to "preferred option"?

Alternatives include "favored alternative", "best choice", or "ideal solution", depending on the specific context.

Is "preferred option" formal or informal?

"Preferred option" is generally considered neutral to professional in tone, suitable for most contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist for highly academic writing.

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

"Preferred option" suggests a more reasoned or objective choice, while "favorite option" implies a personal or subjective preference. The "preferred option" may be based on criteria, whereas the "favorite option" is based on feelings.