they were preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing choices or selections made in favor of certain individuals or options over others. Example: "In the hiring process, candidates with relevant experience were preferred."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The features of the software are elaborated, which justify why they were preferred over other software.

Applied Control Theory for Embedded Systems

Yet they were preferred to Graeme Souness, a major figure in Liverpool's conquest of the European Cup.

The Guardian

The stranger, in turn, acquired a noble surname.As family names such as Lee and Kim were among those used by royalty in ancient Korea, they were preferred by provincial elites and, later, commoners when plumping for a last name.

The Economist

PET issues are bonds denominated in $25 pieces and traded on the New York Stock Exchange as if they were preferred stocks.

Forbes

Then they were preferred.

Huffington Post

They were preferred because of their strength, endurance, and cloven hooves which spread their weight in swampy areas.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

On the other hand, blunt forebodies produce more drag, however, they are preferred as far as aeroheating is concerned.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Decarboxylation and decarbonylation reactions are dominant during the production of aviation biofuel, because they are preferred over technological alternatives at higher temperatures.

Biomass and Bioenergy

Mr. O'Brien has been more successful against Mr. Letterman among the younger audiences that NBC most wants to reach (because they are preferred by many advertisers).

The New York Times

The PNC curves, developed in 1971, add limits on low-frequency rumble and high-frequency hiss; hence, they are preferred over the older NC standard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are preferred creditors, which means they are able to take money from customers before they pay their housing costs or other bills.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were preferred", ensure that the reason for the preference is clear from the context. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "they were preferred" without specifying what they were preferred over. Always provide a clear comparison to ensure the sentence's meaning is unambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were preferred" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being favored or chosen. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were preferred" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate a past preference or choice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in written English. It frequently appears in scientific and news-related contexts. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to specify what was preferred and the reasons behind the preference to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "they were favored" or "they were chosen" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired. Ensuring clarity about what was preferred, and over what, will make your writing much stronger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were favored

This alternative uses a synonym of "preferred", conveying a slightly more positive or biased selection.

they were chosen

This alternative is more neutral, simply indicating a selection without necessarily implying a strong preference.

they were selected

Similar to "chosen", but often used in more formal or official contexts.

they were picked

This alternative is more informal and suggests a casual selection process.

they were given priority

This alternative emphasizes the act of prioritizing something or someone over others.

they were given preference

Similar to "given priority", but perhaps implying a more established or formal system of preference.

they were inclined toward

This alternative suggests a leaning or tendency in favor of something.

they were predisposed to

This alternative suggests a pre-existing inclination or tendency.

they were more appealing

This alternative emphasizes the attractiveness or desirability of something.

they were held in higher regard

This alternative suggests that something was viewed with greater respect or esteem.

FAQs

How can I use "they were preferred" in a sentence?

Use "they were preferred" to indicate a choice or selection in favor of certain options or individuals. For example, "In the hiring process, candidates with relevant experience "were preferred"."

What are some alternatives to "they were preferred"?

You can use alternatives like "they were favored", "they were chosen", or "they were selected", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "they were preferred" or "they are preferred"?

Use "they were preferred" for past situations, indicating a preference that existed at a specific time. Use "they are preferred" for current or ongoing preferences.

What does "they were preferred" imply?

"They were preferred" implies that a conscious decision was made to favor certain options or individuals over others, usually for specific reasons or advantages. To avoid ambiguity, it is important to specify what they were preferred over.