preferred outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferred outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the desired result or goal in a particular situation or context. Example: "In negotiations, it is important to clearly define your preferred outcome to ensure all parties are aligned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

So, given that the upshot of many psychological studies is determined largely by the outcome of NHST (Cumming et al., 2007; Mahoney, 1977; Rosnow & Rosenthal, 1989) and researchers usually have a preferred outcome that is, a significant result we expect errors to favor the preferred outcome.

Behavior Research Methods

In this manner the greater resources that a player has may not always translate into greater power, which here will mean the ability of a player to obtain a preferred outcome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

12 The preferred outcome measure for many health economists, and many reimbursement agencies, remains the quality adjusted life year (QALY), a preference based measure of health outcome that combines length of life and health related quality of life.

British Medical Journal

If not, revisit your willingness to own your preferred outcome, reexamine your options (response-ability), and choose again.

Huffington Post

"This is not our preferred outcome.

The Guardian

Advocates generate reams of numbers to substantiate their preferred outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Using only studies with higher quality and validity scores, or studies with higher rather than lower preference outcomes made no difference (preferred outcomes were patient rated global or pain, lower preference undefined improvement and physician rated global outcomes).

BMC Family Practice

The degree of concordance between preferred outcomes and predicted outcomes was less than the concordance between either preferred outcomes and actual outcomes, or predicted outcomes and actual outcomes.

BMC Family Practice

This is clear and unequivocal and places Justice Thomas squarely in a philosophical tradition that begins with Kant's insistence that questions of justice turn only on abstract considerations of what is right rather than on the calculation of (someone's) preferred outcomes.

The New York Times

The physical model had preferred outcomes in time to complete the experiment, composite mental workload, and direct work rate.

Visualization in Engineering

Steering toward preferred outcomes for our coastlines and coastal economies will involve coordination across local, state, and federal jurisdictions to mitigate spatial externalities that extend beyond local communities.

Coastal Zones Solutions for the 21st Century

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "preferred outcome" in situations where multiple results are possible, but one is more desirable than the others. This helps to set expectations.

Common error

While "preferred outcome" is widely acceptable, overuse in informal settings can sound stilted. Opt for simpler terms like "what I want" or "ideal result" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred outcome" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferred outcome" is a versatile and commonly used term to express a desired result. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it maintains grammatical correctness and finds applications across various fields, including science, news, and general discussions. While often interchangeable with alternatives such as "desired result" or "favored outcome", it's important to clearly define whose preference is being referenced for clarity. While its use is wide-spread, it’s better to use simpler terms in very casual scenarios to avoid sounding too formal. With its authoritative usage and consistent presence in reputable sources, "preferred outcome" remains a valuable phrase in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desired result

Focuses on the element of wanting a specific result, differing slightly in formality.

favored outcome

Emphasizes the aspect of favoring one outcome over others.

ideal result

Highlights the perfection or optimality of the desired result.

intended consequence

Stresses the planned or deliberate nature of the desired result.

target outcome

Implies that the outcome is specifically aimed for or set as a goal.

optimal solution

Focuses on achieving the best possible solution among available options.

sought-after result

Highlights the characteristic of being pursued or desired by many.

chosen outcome

Emphasizes the selection of one outcome from a range of possibilities.

envisaged result

Implies a visual or mental projection of the desired result.

anticipated outcome

Suggests expecting or predicting a particular result.

FAQs

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

You can use "preferred outcome" to describe a result that is desired or favored over others. For example, "The company's "preferred outcome" of the negotiations is a mutually beneficial agreement."

What are some alternatives to "preferred outcome"?

Some alternatives to "preferred outcome" include "desired result", "favored outcome", or "ideal result". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "preferred outcome" formal or informal?

"Preferred outcome" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. In very informal settings, simpler language might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "preferred outcome" and "expected outcome"?

"Preferred outcome" refers to the result that is most desired, while "expected outcome" refers to the result that is most likely to occur based on current circumstances. They are not interchangeable, as the expected outcome may not be the preferred one.