that they prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that they prefer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to indicate the preference of a particular group. For example: After conducting a survey, the researchers concluded that the majority of the participants indicated that they prefer dark roast coffee.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are there one or more hospice organizations that they prefer?

The New York Times

Participants in the preference arm are allocated to the treatment they indicate that they prefer.

BMC Nursing

The crops that the amoebas farm are the bacteria that they prefer to eat.

The New York Times - Science

And Harry Nadal's costumes make it apparent that they prefer to dress for war zones.

The New York Times

Some viewers may find that they prefer the online show to its television parent.

The New York Times

"But people are telling us that they prefer a more intimate building than those other Goliaths".

The New York Times

He is tired of hearing Americans say that they prefer Barcelona.

The New Yorker

Black friends have often told me that they prefer open hostility to niceness.

The Guardian - Opinion

But senior officials have emphasized that they prefer to prosecute terrorism suspects in existing American courts.

The New York Times

Two Michelin stars that they prefer not to talk about much.

The Guardian - Travel

Lots of people argue that they prefer New York but I think 'whatever'whatever

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that they prefer", ensure the subject and verb agree in number. For example, use "that he prefers" for a singular subject.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when using "that they prefer". Maintain consistency throughout the sentence and surrounding text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that they prefer" functions as a subordinate clause within a sentence. It typically introduces information about choices, inclinations, or favored options, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that they prefer" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express preference or choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across numerous contexts. The analysis reveals its frequent presence in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating its relevance in both formal and informal settings. Alternatives like "that they favor" or "that they choose" offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure consistency in verb tense and pay attention to subject-verb agreement. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively convey preferences with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that they favor

Replaces "prefer" with "favor", suggesting a slightly stronger leaning towards something.

that they have a preference for

A more formal way of expressing preference, emphasizing the existence of a pre-existing bias.

that they choose

Emphasizes the act of selection or picking something over other options.

that they would rather

Expresses a choice between two or more options, indicating which is more desirable.

that they like

A more general term for preference, suitable for less formal contexts.

that they desire

Indicates a strong wish or longing, implying a deeper level of preference.

that they are inclined to

Suggests a natural tendency or predisposition towards something.

that they lean toward

Implies a tendency to favor something without necessarily making a firm decision.

that they are drawn to

Suggests an attraction or appeal, implying that the preference is based on inherent qualities.

that they are partial to

Indicates a special liking or fondness for something.

FAQs

How can I use "that they prefer" in a sentence?

You can use "that they prefer" to describe a choice or inclination, such as "Participants indicated "that they prefer" a group setting for the activity".

What is a more formal alternative to "that they prefer"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "that they favor" or "that they have a preference for".

Is it grammatically correct to say "that they prefer"?

Yes, "that they prefer" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English.

What is the difference between "that they prefer" and "that they like"?

While similar, "that they prefer" suggests a more deliberate choice or ranking, whereas "that they like" simply indicates enjoyment or approval.