preferred to prepare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferred to prepare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or inclination towards preparing something rather than doing something else. Example: "She preferred to prepare her own meals rather than eat out every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A number of high-profile Australians preferred to prepare for the forthcoming Ashes series of five-day tests against England.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. LuPone would surely have preferred to prepare for a role of this stature unencumbered by the strain of a nearly yearlong run in a Broadway musical.

The New York Times

Since mapping and the scientific surveys are time-consuming and expensive, biologists have generally preferred to prepare habitat maps later, as part of the comprehensive plan.

The New York Times

We face the risks of overemphasizing technology and leaving the hard-learned lessons of Iraq behind just as our knowledge of unconventional warfare withered after Vietnam because we preferred to prepare for large, set-piece battles.

MIT Technology Review

It is a relatively spare racing schedule, but Liu said he preferred to prepare with an uninterrupted block of training under the tutelage of his coach, Sun Haiping, than to spend his summer on the European circuit — or succumbing to the distractions of his celebrity.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Many users prefer to prepare dilutions by halving: 1.0, 0.25 0.25 0.125 etc.

Cornell University

I prefer to prepare the early crop as simply as possible, either briefly boiled, quickly stir-fried or even raw.

The New York Times - Food

You may prefer to prepare this the other way round from me, and get the frosting under way before you make the cakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The tournament stands alone as one worth winning, but appears caught between two schools: those that like or need to play the week before a major and those that prefer to prepare out of the public eye.

Independent

Santa Anita has been converted to a synthetic surface, and some trainers prefer to prepare for the Kentucky Derby at a track like Oaklawn, which, like Churchill Downs, has a traditional dirt surface.

The New York Times - Sports

If you would prefer to prepare your answers in MS Word and copy/paste into the submission form once you have finished, you may download a copy of the form here.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preferred to prepare", ensure that the context clearly contrasts the act of preparing with an alternative action. For example, "They preferred to prepare their own meals rather than eating out" provides a clear comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "preferred to prepare" without specifying what the alternative is. Saying "They preferred to prepare" is incomplete; clarify what they preferred preparing over to provide a full understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred to prepare" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a choice or inclination towards preparing something over another option. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferred to prepare" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to express a deliberate choice of preparing something over an alternative action. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usability extends across different contexts, including news, academia, and general communication. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys a sense of preference and intention, particularly when clearly contrasted with another option. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being preferred and what alternatives are being considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favored preparing

Focuses on the act of favoring one preparation method over another.

inclined to prepare

Indicates a leaning towards preparing something, suggesting a natural tendency.

chose to prepare

Emphasizes the active decision of selecting preparation as the preferred action.

elected to prepare

Highlights a formal or deliberate choice in favor of preparation.

desired to prepare

Expresses a wish or strong feeling for preparing something.

wished to prepare

Similar to desired, but might imply a longing or regret if preparation wasn't possible.

liked to prepare

Indicates a general enjoyment or fondness for preparing something.

leaned towards preparing

Suggests a slight preference or inclination towards preparation.

were more inclined to prepare

Emphasizes a greater inclination towards preparing compared to other options.

felt compelled to prepare

Implies a sense of obligation or necessity in the act of preparing.

FAQs

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

Use "preferred to prepare" to express a choice or inclination towards preparing something rather than doing something else. For instance, "She "preferred to prepare" her own meals rather than eating out."

What are some alternatives to "preferred to prepare"?

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

Is it correct to say "preferred preparing" instead of "preferred to prepare"?

While "preferred preparing" might be understood, ""preferred to prepare"" is the grammatically standard and more commonly used construction. The infinitive form emphasizes the intention or choice.

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

"Preferred to prepare" implies a deliberate choice based on some criteria, while "wanted to prepare" simply indicates a desire. Preference suggests a considered decision, while wanting is a general inclination.