vastly prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vastly prefer" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that one thing is much preferred over another. For example, "I vastly prefer playing tennis to playing soccer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Others, however, would vastly prefer permanent jobs.

The New York Times

"But I vastly prefer most of it.

The Guardian - Music

I would vastly prefer that we all saw it together.

The New York Times

Most economists vastly prefer consumption taxes to income taxes.

The New York Times

"I vastly prefer Sartre's plays to his philosophy.

The New Yorker

My own favorite was CHAKA KHAN, whom I vastly prefer to Star Trek's Khan Noonien Singh.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Having experienced both, he vastly preferred the drug.

The New York Times

He vastly preferred to ignore his health and discuss his latest computer acquisitions.

The New York Times

"They're totally mindless killing machines," said Dr. Hoffman, who vastly prefers the more peaceable vegetarian millipedes.

The New York Times

So the ANA, while vastly preferred to either Western troops or the venal police, still seems foreign in the south.

The Economist

"As a result, I hid and found tremendous solace in books, vastly preferring imagined worlds to this world," Lana said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vastly prefer", make sure the contrast between the options is evident to emphasize the strength of the preference.

Common error

Avoid using "vastly prefer" when the difference is minor or subjective. Ensure the context warrants such a strong declaration of preference to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vastly prefer" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong preference. It indicates that one option is significantly more desirable than another. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vastly prefer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a strong preference for one thing over another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media sources. While suitable for both neutral and somewhat formal settings, it's essential to ensure the context justifies the intensity of the preference being expressed. Alternative phrases like "strongly favor" or "much prefer" can be used to express similar sentiments with slight variations in emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "vastly prefer" to communicate their preferences clearly and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much prefer

A simpler way to express a strong preference.

decidedly prefer

Suggests a firm and clear preference.

markedly prefer

Emphasizes the noticeable difference in preference.

considerably prefer

Highlights the significant difference in preference.

significantly prefer

Indicates a notable preference.

substantially prefer

Indicates a large degree of preference.

strongly favor

Emphasizes support rather than just preference.

greatly favor

Focuses on the degree of approval or support.

highly favor

Similar to 'strongly favor', it denotes a high degree of support and preference.

overwhelmingly prefer

Indicates an almost complete preference for one thing over another.

FAQs

How can I use "vastly prefer" in a sentence?

Use "vastly prefer" to express a strong preference for one option over another. For example, "I vastly prefer tea to coffee in the morning" indicates a significant preference.

What can I say instead of "vastly prefer"?

You can use alternatives like "strongly favor", "greatly favor", or "much prefer" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "vastly prefer" or "prefer"?

"Prefer" indicates a general liking, while "vastly prefer" emphasizes a significantly stronger preference. The choice depends on the degree of preference you want to express.

What's the difference between "vastly prefer" and "slightly prefer"?

"Vastly prefer" suggests a major difference in liking, while "slightly prefer" indicates only a small difference. The adverb modifies the intensity of the preference.