the top preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the top preference" is correct and is often used in written English.
For example, you might say, "Of all the choices, the top preference was the one with the highest quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The result is that when a recent poll found the top preference for a day out was "the chance to escape stresses and immerse myself in something different", it left open what was meant by "something different".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the factions in this conclave do not break along geographical lines, and in fact, they have produced alliances that are surprisingly counterintuitive: the Romans' top preference appears to be a Brazilian, and the reformers are said to be pushing for an Italian.

The New York Times

Thirty nine percent indicated that an in-person consultation was their top preference and 10% preferred webcam.

BMC Infectious Diseases

That is why GMB is asking you to put him as your top preference on the enclosed ballot paper".

The Guardian

If we were to simplify the race to two candidates, Corbyn versus "anyone-but-Corybn", a rational voter would choose Cooper or Burnham as their top preference, with the other second.

The Guardian

Heavy use of the trails is indicated by a survey of Westchester residents, which showed that walking is the top recreational preference while biking ranks third.

The New York Times

If an item was selected because of top preference in a subgroup (sex, age), this is documented in the last column.

BMC Health Services Research

If someone marks their top preference and nothing else – and that group falls short of a Senate quota – the ballot paper is "exhausted" and there will be no preference flows to others.

The Guardian

At primary level more children are getting their first choice of school with 88.4% of parents receiving an offer for their top preference, up on last year's figure of 87.8%.

The Guardian

Tens of thousands of children have missed out on their first choice of secondary school this year as pressure on places mounts, with almost half failing to get into their top preference in some areas of London.

The Guardian

Outside urban areas one in seven pupils have missed out on their first choice of school according to early estimates, though in some areas of the country, including Cornwall, East Riding and Cleveland, virtually every child has got into their top preference.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the top preference", ensure the context clearly indicates what options are being considered. For example, "Among the candidates, her top preference was Ms. Johnson."

Common error

Avoid using "the top preference" in overly casual settings. Simpler terms like "favorite" or "best choice" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the top preference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most favored or desired option among several possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

45%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the top preference" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the most favored option. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts, appearing frequently in news, science, and wiki sources. For more casual settings, consider alternatives like "favorite" or "best choice". Remember to clearly define the options being considered when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preferred choice

Replaces "preference" with "choice", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

the first choice

Expresses the same idea of a leading or top option.

the leading preference

Substitutes "top" with "leading", indicating the most prominent or favored option.

the primary preference

Replaces "top" with "primary", emphasizing the main or most important preference.

the foremost preference

Uses "foremost" instead of "top" to denote the most important or highly regarded preference.

the number one preference

Emphasizes that something is ranked as the first or most favored option.

the favored selection

Replaces both "top" and "preference" with "favored" and "selection" respectively.

the most desired option

Changes "preference" to "option" and uses "most desired" to convey the idea of being the top choice.

the highest priority

Shifts the focus from preference to priority, indicating what is considered most important.

the ultimate favorite

Implies that something is liked more than all other options.

FAQs

What does "the top preference" mean?

It refers to the most favored or desired choice among several options. It signifies the option that someone likes or wants the most.

How can I use "the top preference" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate someone's first choice or what is most desired. For example, "For her, "the preferred choice" was to stay home."

What are some alternatives to saying "the top preference"?

Alternatives include "the first choice", "the favored selection", or "the most desired option" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "the top preference" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "favorite" or "best pick".