put in order of preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put in order of preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to rank items or choices based on their personal likes or dislikes. Example: "Please put in order of preference the movies you would like to watch this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Party lists put in order of preference in the regions on a strictly one member, one vote basis, could provide the senate with democratic input without compromising Commons primacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I wouldn't want to put them in order of preference.

The Guardian - Sport

It's impossible to put them in order of preference: many of these are gems we've been waiting a long time for.

Huffington Post

Moreover, there is good reason to think that candidates cannot, in principle, be put in an order of preference.

MIT Technology Review

When you can vote and put several candidates in order of preference, there will be a much more interesting and worthwhile turnout for every election there is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rank the alternatives - put each option in order of preference.

WikiHow

Here is how I rank them, putting the first six in order of preference, and No. 7, the Priceline booking, in a category by itself.

The New York Times

Put the Soccer Saturday pundits in order of preference, would you?

The Guardian - Sport

Once applicants have been accepted they put the government departments they would like to work for in order of preference.

The Guardian

In Wales, parents give their preferred schools in order of preference.

BBC

None of these wines, listed in order of preference, are terribly complex, but then you wouldn't want to put on a tuxedo when a pair of comfortable jeans will do.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting options, clarify the criteria for ranking (e.g., importance, cost, convenience) to ensure the "order of preference" is understood.

Common error

Avoid changing the ranking criteria mid-list; establish clear, consistent guidelines (like cost or convenience) at the beginning and stick to them throughout.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put in order of preference" functions as a directive, instructing someone to arrange items based on their personal choices. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used in various contexts, from elections to consumer decisions, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put in order of preference" is a versatile directive used to elicit a subjective ranking of items or options. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across diverse contexts, notably in news and media. While alternatives like "rank according to preference" or "arrange by priority" exist, "put in order of preference" maintains a clear and widely understood meaning. Remember to establish consistent ranking criteria to avoid ambiguity. Given its widespread application, mastering the usage of this phrase is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rank according to preference

Replaces "put" with "rank" and uses "according to" to specify the basis of the ranking.

prioritize based on liking

Emphasizes prioritization rather than a general ordering, focusing on personal liking as the criterion.

arrange by priority

Uses "arrange" instead of "put" and focuses on the concept of priority.

list in preferential sequence

Formal and emphasizes the sequential aspect of the arrangement based on preference.

order by desirability

Substitutes "preference" with "desirability", highlighting the attractiveness of the items being ordered.

sort by favored status

Highlights the "favored" aspect, implying a subjective assessment.

sequence according to predilection

A more formal alternative, using "predilection" to mean a strong liking.

classify by preference level

Focuses on classifying items according to different levels of preference.

grade by choice

Uses "grade" to imply a ranking based on selection or choice.

organize by favored selection

Emphasizes the act of organizing and the subjective nature of "favored" selections.

FAQs

How can I use "put in order of preference" in a sentence?

You can use "put in order of preference" when you want to rank items or options based on personal liking or priority. For example, "Please "put in order of preference" the tasks you want to complete today".

What are some alternatives to saying "put in order of preference"?

Alternatives include "rank according to preference", "prioritize based on liking", or "arrange by priority".

Is it better to use "rank" or "put in order of preference"?

Both are correct, but "rank" is more concise. "Put in order of preference" provides more context, specifying that the ranking is based on preference.

How does "put in order of preference" differ from simply "list"?

"List" implies a simple enumeration without assigning any priority. "Put in order of preference" specifically indicates that items are arranged based on personal liking or importance.