their preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the choices or inclinations of a group of people or individuals. Example: "We conducted a survey to understand their preference for the new product design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their preference?

The Guardian - Books

This may influence their preference.

The Economist

Basketball is their preference.

The New York Times - Sports

The players were asked their preference.

The New York Times

Note their preference for Middle English spelling.

The Guardian

But the fans have voiced their preference.

The New York Times

Ms. Van Auken said that had always been their preference.

The New York Times

The Knicks, of course, say their preference is clear.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, China's proxies made their preference for Pacific Century clear.

The New York Times

In each case, they would state their preference.

The Guardian - Books

For a long time, their preference was disregarded.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their preference", ensure the context clearly identifies to whom "their" refers. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "their preference" when referring to a singular subject. Ensure that the pronoun agrees in number with the noun it represents; use "his or her preference" or reword the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their preference" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their preference" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for expressing a choice, liking, or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appropriate for various registers, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Related phrases like "their choice" or "their inclination" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. When using the phrase, ensure pronoun agreement and contextual clarity. Overall, "their preference" is a reliable and effective way to communicate selections and tastes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their choice

Focuses on the act of selecting from available options.

their inclination

Emphasizes a natural tendency or disposition.

their taste

Highlights aesthetic or personal liking.

their liking

Indicates a feeling of enjoyment or approval.

their tendency

Suggests a habitual pattern or behavior.

their desire

Focuses on a strong feeling of wanting something.

their wish

Implies a hope or longing for something.

their disposition

Highlights a prevailing attitude or mood.

their proclivity

Indicates a natural or habitual inclination, often towards something negative.

their bent

Suggests a natural talent or inclination.

FAQs

How to use "their preference" in a sentence?

You can use "their preference" to indicate what a group or individual prefers. For example, "The voters expressed their preference for the candidate with the most experience."

What can I say instead of "their preference"?

You can use alternatives like "their choice", "their inclination", or "their liking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "their preference" when referring to a singular non-binary person?

Yes, using "their preference" is grammatically correct and inclusive when referring to a singular non-binary person, as "they/their" is widely accepted as a singular pronoun.

What is the difference between "their preference" and "their priority"?

"Their preference" refers to what someone likes or chooses, while "their priority" indicates what is most important to them. They are not interchangeable.