to be preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when expressing a preference for one thing over another. For example, "I prefer to take the bus rather than driving myself, if at all possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Galeano's Cassandra is to be preferred to his Pollyanna.

The Guardian - Books

"The life of freedom is to be preferred".

The New York Times - Magazine

Bold isn't always to be preferred to caution, or quick decisions to careful deliberation.

The New York Times

How and why will some ideas come to be preferred over others?

The New York Times - Arts

Well known sites, such as CNN, tend to be preferred to less popular sites.

The Guardian - Tech

Political contests are, almost invariably, to be preferred to political coronations.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this case the covalent bonding seems to be preferred over the ionic bond.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For this reason, the modified procedure came to be preferred in many cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Much to be preferred is a structure that will deform under an overload but not fail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, the life of action is to be preferred to ascetic resignation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For monitoring plasmid instability, the second is to be preferred.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be preferred", ensure the context clearly indicates what the alternative is and why the preference exists. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "to be preferred" without specifying what it is preferred to. The lack of comparison can leave the reader confused about the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be preferred" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically indicating a passive preference or recommendation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently used in expressing that something is considered more suitable or desirable than another. This aligns with examples where options or methods are being evaluated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be preferred" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a preference for one thing over another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its prevalence in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources suggests a formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount; always specify what is being compared and the reasons for the preference. Alternatives like "to be favored" or "to be recommended" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember, specifying the basis for comparison will make your writing clearer and more persuasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be the preferred choice

Emphasizes that a particular option is specifically selected.

to be the better option

Directly states that one choice is superior.

to be favored over

Explicitly states that one option is chosen above others.

to be favored

Focuses more on being treated with kindness or advantage.

to be recommended

Highlights that something is suggested as being good or suitable.

to be the more suitable

Focuses on appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation.

to be desired

Emphasizes the attractiveness or wish for something.

to be advisable

Suggests that something is practical and sensible.

to be the leading candidate

Implies that something is the most likely or popular choice.

to be the best bet

Suggests that something is the safest or most reliable option.

FAQs

How can I use "to be preferred" in a sentence?

You can use "to be preferred" to express a preference between two or more options. For example, "In this case, option A is "to be preferred" over option B due to its efficiency".

What are some alternatives to saying "to be preferred"?

Some alternatives include "to be favored", "to be recommended", or "to be the better option", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to be preferred"?

Yes, "to be preferred" is grammatically correct. It's an infinitive phrase commonly used to indicate that something is favored or considered better than something else.

What's the difference between "to be preferred" and "preferred"?

"To be preferred" is an infinitive phrase, often used in more formal contexts or when expressing a general preference. "Preferred" is an adjective that describes something that is liked or chosen more than another. For example, "This method is "to be preferred"" versus "This is the preferred method".