preferred to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferred to find" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or inclination to discover or locate something specific. Example: "In my research, I preferred to find sources that were peer-reviewed and up-to-date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He preferred to find his own.

The New Yorker

I have always preferred to find my own path in life, and felt comfortable doing this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Gandhi preferred to find sanction for the radical changes he proposed in the long Indian past.

The New York Times - Books

They preferred to find a secluded place, like an unused classroom, and have meals brought to them.

The New York Times

Hibbert said he preferred to find his niche early in a game by blocking shots, scuffling for rebounds or threading passes.

The New York Times - Sports

He preferred to find out when Chelsea gave birth – a bit like in the old days, when fathers celebrated with a cigar in the waiting room.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We would prefer to find an appropriate diplomatic solution.

The Guardian

I prefer to find out at 30, 25.

The New York Times

"I prefer to find people who have really blown it in life".

The New York Times

But we would truly prefer to find it on a comedy channel.

The New York Times - Sports

A. I prefer to find music by accident: Facebook, YouTube, recommendation from a friend.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preferred to find" when you want to express a deliberate choice or inclination towards a specific method of discovery or selection.

Common error

Avoid using "preferred to find" when you simply mean to say something was found without a pre-existing preference. For instance, don't say "I preferred to find my keys" when you just found them accidentally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred to find" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a past preference or inclination towards a particular method of discovery or selection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferred to find" is a grammatically sound and relatively common infinitive phrase used to express a past preference for a certain method of discovery or selection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correctly used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately conveying a deliberate choice or inclination rather than simply stating a fact. Consider alternatives like "preferred discovering" or "chose to discover" for nuanced meanings. Overall, "preferred to find" is a reliable and versatile phrase for expressing past preferences in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferred discovering

Focuses on the act of discovering rather than the intention.

preferred locating

Emphasizes the act of pinpointing a specific location.

preferred seeking

Highlights the active pursuit of something.

preferred identifying

Stresses the act of recognizing or establishing something.

preferred uncovering

Suggests revealing something that was hidden.

was inclined to find

Indicates a tendency or leaning towards finding something.

chose to discover

Emphasizes a deliberate choice to discover.

opted to locate

Highlights a specific selection to locate.

favored discovering

Highlights a preference for the act of discovering.

would rather find

Expresses a preference with a slightly different grammatical structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "preferred to find" to indicate a choice for a certain way of discovering or locating something. For example, "She "preferred to find" her own solutions instead of relying on others".

What are some alternatives to "preferred to find"?

Some alternatives include "preferred discovering", "preferred locating", or "chose to discover", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "would prefer to find" instead of "preferred to find"?

Yes, "would prefer to find" is grammatically correct and expresses a similar sentiment, though it might imply a hypothetical or conditional preference, while "preferred to find" typically refers to a past preference. They are very similar but "would prefer to find" may change the sentence sense.

What is the difference between "preferred to find" and "liked to find"?

"Preferred to find" indicates a choice based on suitability or advantage, while "liked to find" suggests a preference based on enjoyment or pleasure. So, they are very similar however "liked to find" is appropriate when the preference is associated with enjoyment.