that we prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that we prefer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or preference regarding something in a sentence. Example: "In this situation, we have several options, but there is one that we prefer over the others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And yet, even if there weren't a 22nd Amendment, we would shy away from that; we prefer the risk of an unproven president to the risk of stasis and aristocracy.

The New York Times

"We seem to have a preference that we prefer our preference," as Vanderbilt puts it.

The New Yorker

I reject the idea that we prefer the hair shirt as a sort of ideological preference.

The New York Times

And Iraq was such a bitter experience for America that we prefer never to speak of it again.

The New York Times

It says that we prefer to base our security on Non-Nuclear Resistance rather than on nuclear deterrence.

The New Yorker

Maybe there is a reason that we prefer mullahs to police our morals, rather than the police itself.

The Guardian

Either way, one theory is that we prefer our dramas to evolve because we ourselves want to.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"By remaining silent we lend credence to the view that we prefer to risk losing our freedom than to offend a questionable 'asset' to our party".

The New York Times

David Eldon, HSBC's Asia chairman, bluntly said when visiting Mumbai earlier this month that "we prefer to invest in open markets".

The Economist

Conditions in the area are changing so quickly, Mr. Bailey said, "that we prefer to let the market come to us".

The New York Times

He told Belgium's RTBF television: "We say to him that we prefer to see him in prison rather than in a graveyard".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject of preference is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'We prefer option A over option B'.

Common error

Avoid embedding "that we prefer" in overly complex sentences. Simpler constructions enhance clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that we prefer" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a preference or selection. It is frequently used to indicate a specific choice among several options, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that we prefer" serves as a versatile tool for expressing choices and preferences across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains, make it a reliable component of effective communication. While simpler alternatives exist for informal settings, mastering the use of "that we prefer" enhances precision and clarity in more formal discourse. Some good options are that we favor and "that we like more".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that we favor

Emphasizes a leaning towards something, suggesting a positive disposition.

that we like more

A more direct and simpler way of expressing preference.

that we would rather

Expresses a stronger preference, suggesting a deliberate choice.

that we are inclined to

Implies a tendency or disposition towards a particular option.

that we have a preference for

More formal, explicitly stating the existence of a preference.

that we are partial to

Indicates a fondness or special liking for something.

that appeals to us more

Focuses on the attractiveness or desirability of an option.

that we gravitate towards

Suggests a natural or inherent tendency towards something.

that we find more suitable

Highlights the appropriateness or fitness of a choice.

that we are more comfortable with

Emphasizes ease and familiarity in the choice.

FAQs

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

You can use "that we prefer" to express a choice between alternatives, such as, "There are several options, but "that we prefer" is to proceed cautiously."

What is a more formal way to say "that we prefer"?

A more formal alternative is "that we favor", which suggests a more deliberate and considered choice.

Is it always necessary to include "that" before "we prefer"?

While not always required, including "that" often improves the sentence's clarity and flow, especially in formal writing.

Can "that we prefer" be used in spoken English?

Yes, "that we prefer" is perfectly acceptable in spoken English, although simpler phrases like "what we like" might be more common in informal conversation.