show a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

"show a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to demonstrate or indicate a liking or favoritism towards something. Example: She always showed a preference for bright colors, so she decided to paint her room in vibrant shades of pink and orange.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did they show a preference for manufacturers' or retailers' sites?

Harvard Business Review

Generally, Americans show a preference for home-grown fiction.

The Economist

The gunmen were reported to show a preference for Britons and Americans as hostages.

The New York Times

The univariate analyses reported here show a preference for imperceptible concepts in left dorsal ATL.

Nature

From an early stage, domain walls show a preference for {100} orientations.

Acta Materialia

The results indicate that individuals with developmental disabilities often show a preference for different AAC options.

Research in Developmental Disabilities

Circular dichroism spectra clearly indicate that both peptides show a preference for random coil states.

Biophysical Journal

But now researchers have found that one predator does, in fact, show a preference for less-than-fully-capable victims.

The New York Times - Science

"It would show a preference for bigger industry profits at the expense of Americans' air quality, environment and health".

The New York Times

So as you get farther away from your actual sample data, you're going to show a preference for smoother function.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And she is not the first wealthy person to use a will to show a preference for dogs over humans.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show a preference for", ensure the subject clearly demonstrates this preference through actions or choices.

Common error

Avoid using "show a preference for" when describing something essential. Preference implies choice, while necessity implies a lack of alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show a preference for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a demonstrated inclination or favoritism towards something. It is commonly used to describe choices, behaviors, or tendencies, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show a preference for" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an inclination or favoritism towards something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. It's widely employed across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. The phrase is neutral in register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the subject clearly demonstrates their preference through actions or choices. Consider synonyms like "prefer" or "favor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer

A simple and commonly used synonym for showing a preference.

favor

A shorter, more direct way to express a liking for something.

have a liking for

A more descriptive way to express a positive feeling towards something.

tend towards

Similar to 'lean towards', indicating a general direction of choice.

lean towards

Implies a tendency to favor something, often with a sense of inclination.

be inclined to

Indicates a predisposition or tendency to choose something.

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural or unconscious attraction to something.

express partiality for

Suggests favoritism or a clear liking for one thing over another.

demonstrate a bias towards

Highlights a prejudice or leaning, which can be conscious or unconscious.

exhibit a proclivity for

Implies a natural tendency or inclination.

FAQs

How can I use "show a preference for" in a sentence?

You can use "show a preference for" to indicate that someone or something favors one option over others. For example, "Customers often show a preference for faster delivery times."

What are some alternatives to "show a preference for"?

Alternatives include "favor", "prefer", or "lean towards". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "show a preference for"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. If the choice is based on bias or unfairness, it might be better to use a phrase like "demonstrate a bias towards" to highlight the potential issue.

What's the difference between "show a preference for" and "have a tendency to"?

"Show a preference for" implies a conscious or demonstrated choice, whereas "have a tendency to" suggests an inherent inclination that might not be actively chosen.