preferred to attend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferred to attend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or inclination towards attending an event or gathering over other options. Example: "She preferred to attend the conference rather than the workshop this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He preferred to attend without friends so he could concentrate on the stage.

The New York Times

Simpson described himself as a loyal Democrat who would have preferred to attend a better-orchestrated Kerry rally.

The New Yorker

When they gathered for a first TV debate last month, the mayor didn't show up; he preferred to attend a fancy fund-raising event on his behalf on the Hudson River across from Manhattan hosted by Oprah Winfrey.

Independent

Though a couple of students said they would have preferred to attend at the campuses in Kansas City or Wichita — one plans to commute from there — the rest said the smaller school had been their first choice.

The New York Times - Health

She said that when Samuel was in sixth grade, he asked, "Why are these coaches asking me to come to the camps?" The family considered 13 schools but chose Bishop McNamara, in Forestville, Md., because Samuel preferred to attend a coeducational school.

The New York Times - Sports

Most respondents preferred to attend yoga classes from 6 12 weeks.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Preferring to attend to problems of the real world, Trendelenburg viewed ethics in the context of politics and history rather than in the framework of purely philosophical formulations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The more important reason is that Mr. Khanna, author of a coming book on emerging markets, now prefers to attend the forum in China.

The New York Times

It says: "Our new masters' programme is designed for students who want a high-quality graduate education and prefer to attend classes on weekends only".

The Guardian

I prefer to attend live performances where I can feel the music through my other senses and enjoy the whole experience.

The Guardian - Music

A mother of a boy in boarding school forwarded a number of Christmas dance invitations to him, suggesting that he pick out the tow or three dances he would prefer to attend.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preferred to attend", ensure the context clearly indicates what the alternative options were. For example, "She preferred to attend the conference rather than the workshop."

Common error

Avoid using "preferred to attend" when the action is ongoing or habitual. Use "prefers to attend" instead. For example, instead of "He preferred to attend the meetings every week", use "He prefers to attend the meetings every week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred to attend" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past choice or inclination towards participating in an event or activity. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preferred to attend" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating a past preference for attending something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, with examples spanning news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "chose to attend" and "opted to attend" exist, "preferred to attend" offers a nuanced way to express a past inclination. Remember to maintain correct tense and provide context to its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to attend

Indicates a selection was made; more direct and less nuanced than "preferred".

opted to attend

Suggests a decision was made from a set of options; similar in formality.

favored attending

Highlights the positive inclination toward attending, a slightly more formal tone.

would rather attend

Indicates a preference in comparison to another option; emphasizes comparative choice.

inclined to attend

Implies a leaning towards attending, but potentially less decisive.

had a preference for attending

More explicit in stating a preference; slightly more formal.

leaned towards attending

Similar to "inclined", but suggests a less firm decision.

felt inclined to attend

Highlights the feeling or disposition towards attending; introduces a subjective element.

desired to attend

Emphasizes a wish or longing to attend.

wished to attend

Similar to desired, but might indicate a situation where attending wasn't possible.

FAQs

How to use "preferred to attend" in a sentence?

Use "preferred to attend" to indicate a past choice or inclination for attending something over another option. Example: "She "preferred to attend" the seminar rather than the networking event."

What can I say instead of "preferred to attend"?

You can use alternatives like "chose to attend", "opted to attend", or "favored attending" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "preferred to attend" or "prefers to attend"?

"Preferred to attend" indicates a past preference, while "prefers to attend" indicates a present or habitual preference. Use the tense that matches the time frame you are describing. For example: "He "prefers to attend" afternoon sessions."

What's the difference between "preferred to attend" and "would rather attend"?

"Preferred to attend" is a statement of past choice, while "would rather attend" implies a current hypothetical choice. For example: "She "preferred to attend" the conference, but now she "would rather attend" the workshop next time."