small preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a slight or minor inclination towards one option over another. Example: "I have a small preference for tea over coffee, especially in the mornings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

While early experience gave me a small preference for lager over proper beer, this brush with the demon cider ended my cider-drinking days forever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They do not bring real value to the estate in handling common bankruptcy matters like small preference actions, contract rejections and simple claims objections.

The New York Times

We consider full implementation in complete-information environments when agents have an arbitrarily small preference for honesty.

Games and Economic Behavior

The required electrons for such reduction could be supplied by either NADH or NADPH with a small preference for the latter.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Two out of ten subjects did not have a preference, three had a small preference for the learned noise reduction settings, and five had a large preference for learned noise reduction settings (so 80% of the subjects had an overall preference for the learned settings).

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

We find a small preference for users to have friends of the same gender (see Table 3): on average men have 82 male and 78 female friends (versus the expected values of 79 and 81, respectively), while the average for women is 85 female and 76 male friends (versus the expected values of 81 and 79).

EPJ Data Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Similarly, the negative coefficient for "other trips" by bus indicates that there is a smaller preference towards bus for this category of trips.

European Transport Research Review

According to figures in the advertising industry "[t]here is a spectacular change occurring," as masses of data enable firms to profile people and know who they are, down to the smallest preference.

TechCrunch

Stimuli of 8 degrees as we used here would give larger receptive field estimates and a smaller preference index, estimated to be close to 0.2.

Plosone

A smaller preference value would generate fewer modules which offer a broader, less detailed overview of the system.

BMC Systems Biology

Our data (Figs 1 and 3) also suggest that a similar (though smaller) "preference" for the "blob" (nonface) stimuli could have been achieved by manipulating only one parameter (size).

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small preference" to indicate a mild or not very strong inclination towards something. It is best used when comparing options where the difference in desirability is subtle.

Common error

Avoid using "small preference" when the inclination is actually quite strong. Reserve it for situations where the preference is genuinely minor; otherwise, opt for terms like "strong preference" or "clear preference".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small preference" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "preference". It indicates a mild inclination or leaning toward something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small preference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate a mild inclination. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its suitability across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While seemingly simple, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the preference is genuinely minor to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "slight inclination" or "minor bias" for nuanced expression. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively convey subtle distinctions in choice and inclination using "small preference".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak preference

Uses 'weak' instead of 'small' to emphasize the low intensity of the preference.

slight inclination

Replaces 'preference' with 'inclination', focusing on a tendency rather than a conscious choice.

modest leaning

Uses 'leaning' instead of 'preference', suggesting a tendency to favor something slightly.

minor bias

Substitutes 'preference' with 'bias', suggesting a subtle leaning that might not be entirely objective.

mild favor

Substitutes 'preference' with 'favor', suggesting a gentle inclination towards something.

marginal advantage

Uses 'advantage' instead of 'preference', emphasizing a slight edge in one option over another.

faint liking

Replaces 'preference' with 'liking' denoting a slight positive feeling.

limited predilection

Replaces 'preference' with the more formal 'predilection', indicating a fondness that is not strong.

subtle partiality

Uses 'partiality' instead of 'preference', highlighting a slight bias in favor of something.

tiny fondness

Replaces 'preference' with 'fondness' and 'small' with 'tiny', emphasizing the tender sentiment involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "small preference" to indicate a slight inclination. For example: "I have a "small preference" for tea over coffee in the mornings."

What's a good alternative to "small preference"?

Alternatives include "slight inclination", "minor bias", or "weak preference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "small preference" the same as "strong preference"?

No, "small preference" indicates a mild inclination, while "strong preference" suggests a significant or decided leaning towards something. They are opposites.

When should I use "small preference" instead of "slight advantage"?

"Small preference" is used when expressing a choice based on taste or inclination. "Slight advantage" is more appropriate when referring to a practical benefit or edge.