preferred vocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preferred vocation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's chosen career or occupation that they favor or desire. Example: "After years of exploring different fields, she finally found her preferred vocation in teaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To assess this influence, we used the item, "My vocation was my preferred vocation of choice," introduced by Heinemannet al. ([2009], p. 10).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

We define "free career choice" as the degree to which the choice of a person for his or her preferred vocation was a voluntary one.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For many years, Robert Jay Lifton has been recognized as a leading "psychohistorian," or as he prefers to define his vocation, a "historically minded psychiatrist".

The New York Times - Books

However, as the novel-writing professor (who bears an uncanny resemblance to our author) remarks in "To the Hermitage": "I'm a writer: in other words the sort of person who, by nature, love, vocation, motivation, prefers writing to doing, meditation to action, fiction to history, dreams to the real world".

The Economist

As vocations to the Catholic priesthood have all but dried up in western Europe, most church leaders have preferred to bury their heads in the sand and hope that divine providence will provide an answer to empty altars.

The Guardian

Cash preferred.

The New Yorker

The 14-item EQ (21 questions) gathers student information about further demographic details, future medical practice intentions (preferred type/vocation of medical practice, and preferred geographic location), factors potentially influencing the choice of future medical practice, and internship placements.

BMC Medical Education

Writers are people who congenitally prefer not to hold jobs, and the novelist's vocation is the closest thing writers have to a profession.

The Guardian - Books

As such I will, if you don't truly, quietly and politely - but very deliberately - side-step the politics of A&E Departments that has dominated headlines over this winter; for as a junior doctor, I am in the infancy of my vocation and will leave politics to those much wiser for now, much preferring instead to focus on the job in front of me.

Independent

The full meaning can't be contained in a single word, which is why many initiates prefer to spell it "l*x*r*." In a practical sense, however, "luxury" may be described as the calling, or vocation, to make newer and more luxurious luxury products than the ones that have previously been made.

The New Yorker

Vocation, vocation, vocation, Kirstie.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's "preferred vocation", consider also mentioning the reasons or motivations behind that preference for a more comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "vocation", which means a calling or profession, with "avocation", which means a hobby or pastime. "Preferred avocation" would refer to a favorite hobby, not a career.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preferred vocation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "preferred" modifies the noun "vocation". Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. It typically identifies a specific career or calling that an individual favors or has chosen.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preferred vocation" signifies a chosen and desired career, blending preference with a sense of calling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and while relatively rare, its usage is appropriate in both scientific and news-related contexts. Alternative phrases such as "chosen career" or "desired profession" offer similar meanings, but "preferred vocation" often suggests a deeper sense of personal purpose. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity between "vocation" and "avocation" and use "preferred vocation" to specifically emphasize a favored and intentionally selected professional path. In essence, "preferred vocation" encapsulates not just a job, but a considered and valued life pursuit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vocation of choice

Similar to "preferred vocation" but puts more emphasis on choice.

career of choice

Highlights the element of personal selection and preference in career.

chosen career

Focuses on the selection of a specific career, implying a deliberate decision.

desired profession

Highlights the aspiration and longing for a specific professional field.

favored career path

Highlights the trajectory and direction of a career that is favored.

favorite occupation

Emphasizes personal enjoyment and liking of a particular job.

chosen professional calling

Emphasizes the professional and purposeful nature of the selected vocation.

ideal job

Suggests a perfect match between one's skills, interests, and a job.

selected field of work

Indicates a specific area of work that has been chosen.

target vocation

Implies the act of targeting a specific vocation, more strategic.

FAQs

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

You can use "preferred vocation" to describe someone's chosen and desired career. For example: "After exploring different fields, she discovered that teaching was her "preferred vocation".

What's a good alternative to "preferred vocation"?

Alternatives to "preferred vocation" include "chosen career", "desired profession", or "vocation of choice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "preferred vocation" formal or informal?

"Preferred vocation" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts. More informal options might include "favorite job" or "dream career".

How does "preferred vocation" differ from "ideal job"?

"Preferred vocation" implies a sense of calling or purpose, while "ideal job" simply refers to a job that perfectly matches one's skills and interests. A "preferred vocation" may carry a deeper sense of personal meaning.