show preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

"show preference for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to explain that you favor one thing over another. For example, "I showed preference for the movie over the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

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).

Evolutionary Applications

Females did not show preference for males in relation to any physiological trait evaluated.

Behavioural Processes

If this theory is correct, females should show preference for masculine facial architecture.

Evolution and Human Behavior

For example, mere exposure effects have been widely observed in social psychology, wherein people show preference for stimuli they have consistently encountered previously49.

Nature

At the home range scale, however, the sloths did not show preference for any forest category, though, again, avoided open areas.

Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde

The activation profiles of the right parietal and frontal cortices did not show preference for Movie Body predicted by the assumed roles of these regions.

NeuroImage

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Babies don't not only show preferences for some things over others, 3D things over flat things.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These results indicated that our newly designed cationic AMPs did show preferences for bacteria-mimicking anionic membranes.

Peptides

People also show preferences for maximizing collective benefit or relative advantage over others' benefits in experiments [10], [11].

Plosone

Depending on the type of the residue, these angles show preferences for different regions on the Ramachandran map.

Plosone

Women did not show preferences for any specific male LBR.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show preference for", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for the preference. For example, specify whether the preference is based on objective criteria, subjective feelings, or practical considerations.

Common error

Avoid presenting a preference as an objective truth. Instead of saying "Everyone should show preference for X", frame it as "I show preference for X because…" or "Studies show a preference for X in certain contexts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show preference for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a tendency or inclination towards choosing or favoring one thing over another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show preference for" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a tendency to favor one thing over another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in scientific research, news reporting, and formal business communications. Usage analysis reveals that scientific sources frequently employ the phrase, followed by news outlets and business publications. Alternatives like "prefer", "favor", and "lean towards" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When using "show preference for", it's crucial to provide context and avoid presenting preferences as objective truths, ensuring clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer over

A direct and commonly used alternative emphasizing choice.

favor

A more concise and direct synonym, suitable for simpler contexts.

opt for

Suggests a deliberate choice, indicating a conscious decision.

demonstrate a liking for

Emphasizes active demonstration of favor, slightly more emphatic.

be partial to

Indicates a bias or favoritism, implying a subjective preference.

choose over

Highlights the act of selecting one option in exclusion of another.

lean towards

Suggests a tendency to prefer, implying a less decisive choice.

value more than

Emphasizes the comparative worth assigned to the preferred option.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural inclination, suggesting a strong unconscious preference.

have a penchant for

Indicates a fondness or liking, suggesting a personal inclination.

FAQs

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

You can use "show preference for" to indicate a tendency to favor one thing over another. For example: "Consumers often "show preference for" brands that align with their values."

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

Alternatives include "prefer", "favor", "lean towards", or "opt for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "show a preference for" or "show preference for"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "show preference for" is more concise and commonly used. "Show a preference for" is slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "show preference for" and "express preference for"?

"Show preference for" implies that the preference is demonstrated through actions or choices, while "express preference for" indicates that the preference is stated verbally or in writing.