preferred to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferred to continue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or inclination to keep going with a particular action or situation. Example: "After considering all options, I preferred to continue with the current project rather than start anew."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Others preferred to continue using substances and did not wish to seek regular employment, although some continued using drugs because they believed drugs helped them to carry out certain tasks, such as artwork, music, study, muscle building exercises and household chores.

BMC Psychiatry

Instead, they preferred to continue receiving current debt-service payments without participating in new loans.

The New York Times

She realised that the affair with Rhys meant the end; Ford preferred to continue in emotional dreamland.

The Guardian - Books

Goldschmidt told Phillips he preferred to continue talking on the telephone -- but there may not be much to say.

The New York Times - Sports

But Donizetti felt that he could not undertake this responsibility and preferred to continue his profitable operatic career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Afterward he went to a business school in Leipzig, where, however, he preferred to continue his chemical studies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Jacintha said that she would prefer to continue working.

The Guardian

China, in particular, has resisted calls for new sanctions, saying it would prefer to continue negotiating.

The New York Times

He added that the company would prefer to continue trying to settle the lawsuits.

The New York Times

If so, Republicans would prefer to continue blocking Garland's nomination even after a Clinton win.

Harvard Business Review

In particular, banks may prefer to continue to sit on the assets rather than accept a substantial loss".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preferred to continue", ensure it accurately reflects a conscious choice. Avoid using it when continuation is the only possible option.

Common error

Avoid using "preferred to continue" when there were no other viable options. This phrase implies a deliberate choice among several possibilities, and misusing it can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred to continue" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past choice or inclination to keep doing something. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, affirming its validity. It follows a standard grammatical structure, expressing a deliberate decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preferred to continue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that expresses a past choice or inclination to maintain a course of action. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, with numerous examples from diverse contexts like science, news, and formal business. The phrase is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for various communication styles. While seemingly simple, it’s important to use "preferred to continue" accurately, ensuring that it reflects a genuine choice among alternatives, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to proceed

Emphasizes the act of making a deliberate choice to move forward.

elected to carry on

Highlights a conscious decision to persist with something.

opted to keep going

Focuses on the selection of maintaining momentum.

inclined to maintain

Stresses a leaning or predisposition towards upholding a certain state or action.

favored sustaining

Emphasizes a preference for supporting or prolonging something.

desired to persist

Highlights a strong wish to continue despite potential difficulties.

saw fit to prolong

Indicates a judgment that extending something was appropriate.

deemed it best to uphold

Focuses on the assessment that maintaining something was the optimal course of action.

thought it advisable to retain

Emphasizes careful consideration leading to the decision to keep something.

found it preferable to sustain

Highlights the subjective finding that continuing was the better option.

FAQs

How can I use "preferred to continue" in a sentence?

Use "preferred to continue" to indicate a choice was made to keep doing something. Example: "Despite the challenges, she "preferred to continue" her research".

What are some alternatives to "preferred to continue"?

Alternatives include "chose to proceed", "opted to keep going", or "elected to carry on", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "prefer to continue" or "preferred to continue"?

"Prefer to continue" expresses a current preference, while "preferred to continue" indicates a past preference. The correct choice depends on the time frame you're referencing.

What's the difference between "preferred to continue" and "wanted to continue"?

"Preferred to continue" implies a reasoned decision, while "wanted to continue" simply indicates a desire. "Preferred" suggests evaluating options, whereas "wanted" focuses on inclination.