select a preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "select a preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to choose an option or preference from a list or set of choices. Example: "Please select a preference from the available options for your meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ed Grimm New York To the Editor: If only 10 percent of the population is left-handed, why did evolution select a preference for right-handedness?

The New York Times - Health

Uber says it will pilot a new feature this fall that will let women drivers in Saudi Arabia select a preference to be connected to female riders.

TechCrunch

I also do not have to answer to anyone who tells me to select a preference between person-first or identity-first language.

Huffington Post

And because of strict registration requirements requiring a voter to change party preferences or select a preference six months in advance, a whopping 37% of New York City voters under the age of 30 were unable to vote in the Democratic Primary.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To opt out, go into Snapchat, pull down to see your profile, hit the gear in the top right to open Settings, go to Manage Preferences, select Ad Preferences and uncheck the Snap Audience Match option.

TechCrunch

Such influences need to be considered when selecting a preference testing method in an animal welfare context.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

While a number from both groups self-selected a preference for introversion and sensing characteristics, a significantly higher proportion of IC nurses than medical/surgical nurses self-selected as thinkers (65.9% vs 41.8%).

BMC Nursing

Select a seed preference.

WikiHow

Select a language preference from the list of installed languages or tap one of the "Available for Download" in-app purchase languages.

WikiHow

He adds that because some research has led scientists to find that there is no such thing a race, as such, Dolezal has "merely selected a cultural preference of which cultural group she most identifies with".

Huffington Post

The DNMS task is based on the discovery that, by using a rewarded forced-choice procedure, monkeys can rapidly be trained to select a novel object in preference to a familiar object, i.e., demonstrate recognition memory.

Behavioural Brain Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing options, clearly state what "select a preference" applies to, ensuring users understand the context of their choice. For example, "Select a preference for receiving notifications."

Common error

Avoid using "select a preference" without specifying the domain of the preference. Ensure the user understands what they are choosing a preference for. For instance, don't just say "Select a preference"; instead, clarify with "Select a preference for your delivery method".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "select a preference" serves as an instruction or request, typically found in user interfaces or formal instructions. It directs the user to choose an option based on their liking or suitability. As Ludwig shows, this phrase appears in contexts ranging from software settings to medical studies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "select a preference" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that directs individuals to choose their favored option, Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and highlights its occurrence in diverse contexts, including news, science, and how-to guides. While "choose a preference" provides a more informal option, it’s crucial to ensure contextual clarity. Common mistakes involve using the phrase without specifying the relevant domain. It appears most frequently in scientific and media contexts. Given these points, when incorporating "select a preference" into your writing, ensure that its role is clear and that it fits the overall tone and context of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose a preference

Using "choose" instead of "select" offers a slightly more informal tone.

pick a preference

Using "pick" is a very informal alternative to "select".

express a preference

This shifts the emphasis from the selection process to communicating the preference.

state a preference

Similar to expressing, but suggests a more direct and explicit declaration.

indicate a preference

This emphasizes expressing a pre-existing inclination rather than actively choosing.

specify a preference

Highlights the act of defining or detailing a particular preference.

register a preference

Suggests a formal recording of one's choice.

designate a preference

Implies a more formal and deliberate selection process.

adopt a preference

Focuses on embracing a new preference.

make a selection

This phrase focuses on the action of selecting, but it lacks the specific emphasis on preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "select a preference" when you want someone to choose from a set of options. For example, "Please select a preference for how you would like to receive your refund."

What is an alternative to "select a preference"?

Alternatives include phrases like "choose a preference", "indicate a preference", or "specify a preference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "choose a preference" or "select a preference"?

Both "choose a preference" and "select a preference" are correct. "Select" is slightly more formal, while "choose" is more casual. The best option depends on your audience and the overall tone of your communication.

What does it mean to "designate a preference"?

To "designate a preference" implies a more formal and deliberate selection process, often involving a written or official record of the chosen option.