top preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top preference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is the most desirable option in a selection of choices. For example, "Out of all of the candidates, they gave their top preference to Jane."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

Originally I put down off campus housing as my top preference, but now I am really glad to live off campus and would highly recommend for incoming students.

Stanford University

SLOAT: The EU's top preference would have been that the U.K. hadn't left in the first place, because Brexit is not going to be beneficial to them.

Harvard University

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Masur admitted he was biased towards Australian coaches and, ideally, a Tony Roche or Darren Cahill would be among his top preferences.

The Guardian - Sport

One derives from the argument that more attention should be paid to the electorate's overall sentiment toward the candidates, not just their top preferences.

The Guardian

Top preferences for wellness topics were for eating healthy (55%), physical activity (50%), weight loss (49%), reducing stress (49%), and better sleep (41%).

Preventive Medicine Reports

Not surprisingly, the company has learned that iTunes and YouTube are fans' top preferences for streaming content.

Forbes

However, plurality rule may be plausible in 'restricted informational environments', where the balloting procedure collects information only about voters' top preferences, not about their full preference rankings.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top preference" when you want to clearly communicate the most desirable option from a set of choices. It adds a degree of authority and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "top preference" when the preference is merely your personal opinion without broader consensus or data to support it. Instead, use phrases like "my preferred option" or "my favorite choice" to indicate a personal liking rather than a widely accepted top choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top preference" functions as a noun phrase, where "top" modifies "preference". It indicates the most favored option among a set of choices. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "top preference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to express the most favored choice among several options. Ludwig AI indicates it is suitable for various writing contexts. It's most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing, holding a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a widely accepted top choice rather than a personal opinion. Consider alternatives like "first choice" or "primary preference" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first choice

A more straightforward alternative that emphasizes the order of selection.

primary preference

Similar meaning but slightly more formal, emphasizing the importance of the preference.

leading preference

Implies that this preference is ahead of others in consideration.

most favored option

Replaces 'preference' with 'option', emphasizing the availability of multiple choices.

preferred selection

Highlights the act of choosing something over other options.

number one priority

Shifts the focus from preference to importance, implying it's the most important thing to consider.

best loved alternative

Indicates a strong affection or liking for the specific choice.

supreme liking

Emphasizes a very high degree of fondness or approval.

paramount desire

Conveys a sense of deep yearning or wish for something.

ultimate inclination

A more formal and somewhat abstract way of expressing a leaning towards something.

FAQs

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

Use "top preference" to clearly state the most favored choice among several options. For example, "My "top preference" for a vacation destination is Hawaii due to its beautiful beaches and pleasant weather."

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

You can use alternatives such as "first choice", "primary preference", or "most favored option" depending on the specific context and the level of formality you require.

Is "top preference" formal or informal?

"Top preference" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal and can be used in both professional and academic settings. However, for very informal contexts, simpler phrases like "favorite" or "best choice" might be more suitable.

When should I not use the phrase "top preference"?

Avoid using "top preference" when you are referring to a purely subjective opinion without any supporting evidence or consensus. In such cases, using phrases that indicate personal opinion, such as "my favorite" or "personally, I prefer", would be more accurate.