strong preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you have a strong opinion or inclination to do something or favor one thing over another. For example, you could say, "I have a strong preference for watching movies at home over going to the theater."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Mets showed a strong preference for college players.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mr Speaker, our strong preference was for a negotiated solution.

Independent

"I want to die here," he said, indicating his strong preference to stay with the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

Torre has made no secret of his strong preference to stay with the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

A man, you might say, with a strong preference for still waters.

The Guardian - Books

She refrains from filtering out brown eyes, despite her strong preference for blue.

The New York Times

Beneficiaries showed a strong preference for low-cost plans this year.

The New York Times

The public also has a strong preference for national unity coalitions, according to opinion polls.

The New York Times

My strong preference is to enact these changes for the entire EU, not just for Britain.

The Guardian

Given the Conservative government's strong preference for open markets, the move came as a surprise.

The New York Times

Bees show a strong preference for flowers with intricate shapes and colorations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using "strong preference" to clearly state a favored option or approach.

Common error

Avoid using "strong preference" when the actual inclination is mild or uncertain. Ensure the intensity of the preference aligns with the situation and your true sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong preference" functions as a noun phrase, where "strong" modifies the noun "preference". It denotes a notable inclination or favor towards something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong preference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a significant inclination towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reporting and scientific writing to everyday conversations. The analysis reveals that while the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific texts, it's versatile enough to fit diverse communication needs. When employing this phrase, ensure the intensity of the "preference" aligns with the context to avoid overstatement. Consider using synonyms like "definite inclination" or "firm predilection" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definite inclination

Shares a similar meaning, emphasizing a clear and unambiguous tendency.

firm predilection

Suggests a more established and deeply rooted preference, often based on personal taste or habit.

marked inclination

Emphasizes the presence of a noticeable tendency, differing slightly from a preference by focusing on the observable inclination.

pronounced leaning

Highlights a distinct bias or tendency, implying a direction of favor that is easily observed.

noticeable bent

Implies a natural tendency or inclination, often used to describe someone's inherent disposition.

decided liking

Indicates a clear and definite positive feeling, suggesting a fondness that may not always involve a choice between options.

clear partiality

Similar to favoritism, indicating an evident lack of neutrality.

keen interest

Indicates a strong desire or enthusiasm, focusing more on the excitement rather than the comparative choice.

distinct favoritism

Highlights the act of favoring one thing over others, often used in contexts where impartiality is expected.

notable bias

Emphasizes the partiality towards something, potentially implying unfairness or lack of objectivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "strong preference" to express a marked inclination towards something. For instance, "I have a "strong preference" for tea over coffee" or "The company has a "strong preference" for candidates with prior experience".

What's the difference between "strong preference" and "slight preference"?

"Strong preference" indicates a notable inclination, while "slight preference" suggests only a minor tendency. The choice depends on the intensity of your inclination.

Are there any synonyms for "strong preference"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "marked inclination", "definite inclination", or "firm predilection" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "strong preference" in formal writing?

Yes, "strong preference" is appropriate for formal writing, as it clearly conveys a favored option or approach in a professional and direct manner.