signal a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "signal a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing choices, inclinations, or tendencies in various contexts, such as preferences in behavior, decision-making, or opinions. Example: "The survey results seem to signal a preference for remote work among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That may signal a preference for a ceremonial role and an intention to avoid a fight with the political establishment.

The Economist

We conjecture that subjects, by indicating to prefer a state of the world in which they earn more than others, in reality signal a preference for equality.

The Journal of Socio-Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Aftergood agreed, saying, "It signals a preference for secrecy".

The New York Times

Investors are signaling a preference for natural capital accounting, too.

The Guardian

But both have now signaled a preference for an American suggestion of "limited" systems cover ing large regions centering on Wash ington and Moscow.

The New York Times

Signaling a preference for a much smaller role for the federal government in public schooling, Senator Lamar Alexander, Republican of Tennessee, is introducing legislation on Thursday to revise No Child Left Behind, the Bush-era education law.

The New York Times

In a letter from his deathbed, the king's father, King Hussein, signaled a preference for Hamzah, the eldest son of the fourth and final queen, who the king wrote had been "envied since childhood because he was close to me".

The New York Times

Mr. Obama has long signaled a preference for both an excise tax on high-end plans, which was first proposed in a version of the legislation developed by the Senate Finance Committee, and the independent commission, which some House leaders view as encroachment on Congressional authority over Medicare.

The New York Times - Health

The team has signaled a preference for the victim to instead work with law enforcement and press criminal charges before AngelList will get further involved.

TechCrunch

He leaned in to House Republicans' plan for repealing and replacing Obamacare by signaling a preference for providing tax credits for Americans to buy health insurance.

Los Angeles Times

For example, in one particularly illustrative 2010 experiment, babies who were shown plays that depicted either helpful puppets or mean puppets more often than not chose to play with the helpful puppet afterward, signaling a preference for those who do good.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "signal a preference for", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is signaling the preference and what the preference is. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "signal a preference for" always indicates a strong or definitive choice. The signal might be subtle or tentative, and overstating it can misrepresent the actual inclination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signal a preference for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of communicating or demonstrating a choice or inclination. It implies a non-explicit expression of favour or tendency, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "signal a preference for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to indicate a choice or inclination, often subtly. While appearing in various contexts, it's most frequent in news and media and science. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in specifying who is signaling the preference and what that preference is. As an alternative to "signal a preference for", consider options like "indicate a liking for" or "demonstrate a predilection for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reveal a taste for

Indicates an appreciation or enjoyment of something specific.

indicate a liking for

Emphasizes the feeling of liking or enjoying something.

show a fondness for

Highlights the affection or care for something.

imply a choice for

Suggests a selection between different possibilities.

demonstrate a predilection for

Implies a strong inclination or bias towards something.

express a penchant for

Suggests a habitual or strong attraction to something.

hint at an inclination toward

Suggests a leaning or tendency in a particular direction.

betray a leaning towards

Reveals a bias or preference, often unintentionally.

exhibit a proclivity for

Demonstrates a natural tendency or inclination.

manifest an appetite for

Indicates a strong desire or enthusiasm for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "signal a preference for" to indicate a tendency or inclination. For example: "The data may "signal a preference for" a more ceremonial role."

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

Alternatives include "indicate a preference for", "show a preference for", or "express a preference for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "signal a preference for" or "indicate a preference for"?

Both "signal a preference for" and "indicate a preference for" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. "Signal" may imply a more subtle or indirect communication of the preference.

What does it mean when someone "signals a preference for" something?

It means they are communicating, either explicitly or implicitly, that they favor or lean towards that particular thing. The communication might not be a direct statement but rather an action or choice that suggests their inclination.