The phrase "show preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to express that somebody is expressing a preference for something. For example: "She showed preference for going to the beach over the mountains."
For example, while mature zebrafish male do not show preference for the odor of related or unrelated females, mature female prefer the odor of unrelated males (Gerlach and Lysiak 2006).
A federal appeals court ruled that the City of Denver can show preference to construction companies owned by minorities and women, upholding the city's affirmative action law.
The Iowa caucus is really just to show preference, it does not result in selection of a national delegate as the primaries do as explained here.
Similar tests conducted since have found that little has changed: black children still show preference for white dolls and images, viewing white as pretty and good, and black as ugly and bad.
She received each present with the same grateful smile, regardless of its beauty, meaning or uniqueness, as if these admirers were her children and she didn't want to show preference.
Bars on the positive side show preference for the latter method.
Alternative lifestyles will emerge that will show preference for local products.
PYR had relatively higher hydrophobic property and show preference in the competition.
Females did not show preference for males in relation to any physiological trait evaluated.
If this theory is correct, females should show preference for masculine facial architecture.
It continues to show preference to ANC freedom fighters when handing out state funds," says Mr Moosa.
