to favor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to favor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a preference or support for someone or something over others. Example: "I tend to favor more traditional methods of teaching in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seems to favor the latter.

The New Yorker

Reason to Favor Grit Over Talent.

The New York Times

But whom is this likely to favor?

The New York Times

Those maps seem to favor Republican candidates.

The New York Times

Knuckleballers are known to favor controlled environments.

The New York Times - Sports

Democrats tend to favor extensions.

The New York Times

"You'd have to favor him.

The New York Times - Sports

I used to favor it.

The New York Times

They certainly don't have to favor raw.

The New York Times

The Times used to favor due process.

The New York Times

Counting them is likely to favor Democrats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to favor", ensure the context clearly indicates the object or idea being preferred. For instance, specify what is being favored over something else to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to favor" when a stronger term like "to support" or "to advocate" is more appropriate. "To favor" often implies a tendency or slight preference, not necessarily strong endorsement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to favor" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express a preference, inclination, or tendency towards something. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, aligning with the AI's correctness assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to favor" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a preference or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "to prefer" or "to support" exist, "to favor" carries a nuanced meaning that implies a tendency rather than a strong endorsement. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes underscores its reliability and appropriateness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prefer

A more direct synonym indicating a stronger inclination towards one option.

to have a preference for

A more formal way of expressing a liking or choosing something over others.

to tend to

Indicates a habitual or usual inclination.

to lean towards

Indicates a tendency or inclination without necessarily implying a firm decision.

to be inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or willingness towards something.

to be disposed to

A formal way of indicating a willingness or readiness.

to support

Implies active endorsement and advocacy for something.

to be partial to

Indicates a fondness or liking for something.

to gravitate towards

Suggests a natural attraction or movement towards something.

to look kindly upon

Implies approval or benevolence towards something.

FAQs

How can I use "to favor" in a sentence?

You can use "to favor" to express a preference or tendency. For example, "The data seems "to favor" this hypothesis over the other".

What are some alternatives to "to favor"?

Alternatives include "to prefer", "to lean towards", or "to support", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "to favor something over something else"?

Yes, it is correct. This construction is used to explicitly state a preference. For instance, "The company decided "to favor cost efficiency over innovation" this quarter".

What's the difference between "to favor" and "to support"?

"To favor" suggests a tendency or preference, while "to support" implies active endorsement and assistance. You might "to favor" a particular approach in theory, but "to support" it in practice with resources and effort.