profound preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or deep inclination towards something, often in contexts related to decision-making or personal choices. Example: "Her profound preference for classical music was evident in her extensive vinyl collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He tells Jeffrey Goldberg of the Atlantic Look, if people want to say about me that I have a profound preference for peace over war, that every time I order young men and women into a combat theater and then see the consequences on some of them, if they're lucky enough to come back, that this weighs on me -- I make no apologies for that.

The Economist

Nature displays profound preference for certain specific ratios to design her life-forms.

Building and Environment

Hip resurfacing surgeons generally deal with patients with a profound preference for this particular implant.

Acta Orthopaedica

The latter tendency contrasts with the profound preference of Tc1/mariner transposons for TA-containing microsatellite DNA [ 31, 45].

BMC Genomics

Apart from the presence or absence of a profound preference for an RHA, both groups matched regarding most demographic features and preoperative functional scores.

Acta Orthopaedica

Previous research suggested that men across cultures may have a profound preference toward female morphology that signals nulliparity (Jones, 1996); therefore, if breast size is a strong cue of female age and as it increases after pregnancy, men should prefer breasts of smaller size.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Compared with the pre-conditioning test session, a profound place preference was produced by repeated pairings of morphine and the paired environment in morphine group (F (1, 10) = 11.479, p<0.05) and CPP-L group (F (1, 14) = 8.03, p<0.05).

Plosone

Another confounding factor, especially in the matched cohort series, may also have been the profound implant preference in the resurfacing group which may have biased the eventual functional outcome relative to that of a conventional hip arthroplasty group (Mont et al. 2009, Bisseling et al. 2011).

Acta Orthopaedica

Thus, the increase in endurance capacity in SOD1G86R mice mirrors a profound alteration of fuel preference in muscle fibers.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

In remarks at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference in February, Campbell's CEO Denise Morrison said: "we are also confronting profound shifts in consumers' preferences and priorities with respect to food", pointing to an "explosion of interest in fresh foods" and "a mounting distrust of so-called Big Food".

The Guardian

Using mixed logit models, we further show that labeling has a profound influence on stated preferences.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound preference" to convey a deep-seated or significant inclination, especially when describing motivations, choices, or deeply held values.

Common error

Avoid using "profound preference" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "strong liking" or "big fan" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound preference" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" is an adjective modifying the noun "preference". According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and usable. This phrase often acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound preference" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing a deep-seated liking or inclination. As Ludwig confirms, it is considered correct. While not overly common, occurring with "Uncommon" frequency, it finds utility in both science and news contexts, with a slightly formal tone. When choosing between "profound preference" and alternatives like "strong preference", consider the desired level of emphasis. Remember to reserve "profound preference" for situations where the inclination is significant or deeply held to maintain the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pronounced liking

A more straightforward and less intense version.

significant inclination

Similar to "profound preference" but less emphatic.

deep inclination

Focuses on the depth of the feeling rather than the explicit act of choosing.

strong leaning

Suggests a bias or tendency, rather than a deliberate choice.

marked predilection

More formal and emphasizes a pre-existing liking or bias.

distinct favoritism

Highlights unfairness by favouring a specific thing.

intense affinity

Emphasizes an emotional connection or bond.

decided partiality

Indicates bias and a lack of objectivity.

considerable fondness

Implies affection or warmth, more emotional than rational.

substantial appetite

Conveys a strong desire or craving.

FAQs

How can I use "profound preference" in a sentence?

You can use "profound preference" to describe a strong inclination towards something. For example, "He has a "profound preference" for peace over war" or "Nature displays a "profound preference" for certain specific ratios to design her life-forms".

What are some alternatives to "profound preference"?

Alternatives include "deep inclination", "strong leaning", or "pronounced liking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "profound preference" or "strong preference"?

"Profound preference" emphasizes the depth and significance of the inclination, while "strong preference" simply indicates a notable liking. Choose "profound" when the preference is deeply rooted or has significant implications.

What is the difference between "profound preference" and "intense affinity"?

"Profound preference" suggests a deliberate choice and a strong inclination, whereas "intense affinity" implies a strong emotional connection or liking. "Profound preference" is more rational, while "intense affinity" is more emotional.