was preferred by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was preferred by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was favored or chosen over others in a particular context. Example: "The new design was preferred by the majority of the focus group participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was no strong consensus on the preferred illustration as none was preferred by more than half of participants.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The PDA was preferred by 87.4% of the children who expressed a preference.

BMC Pediatrics

Positively framed information was preferred by 43%, negatively framed by 33% and the remainder had no preference.

British Journal of Cancer

The former was preferred by China, the latter by the US.

The Guardian

In addition, GBG-reinforcement was preferred by the teachers as a better fit to their classrooms.

Journal of School Psychology

A peanut butter-scented bait was preferred by mice over a blueberry-scented one.

Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases

The touch-screen was preferred by 80% of patients, and quicker to complete (<5 min).

Growth Hormone & IGF Research

Zinedine Zidane, a prince regent but a relative novice, was preferred by Real Madrid.

Independent

Elm was preferred by the navy because it splintered less in combat and therefore reduced casualties.

Independent

The term IA was preferred by Douglas Engelbart, who worked on the potential of computers to amplify human abilities.

Nature

This is the car that was preferred by my mother-in-law, and I take what I can get.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was preferred by", ensure that the context clearly indicates what alternatives were available. This adds clarity and strength to your statement.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple passive voice constructions. While "was preferred by" is grammatically sound, excessive use can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Opt for active voice where possible to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was preferred by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject received favor or choice from a specified agent. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was preferred by" is a grammatically sound passive construction widely used to indicate that a subject received favor or selection. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and versatile phrase, though mindful use is recommended to avoid overuse of passive voice. The analysis reveals its prevalence across various domains, including science, news, and formal communications. When writing, ensure that the context clearly defines the alternatives to enhance clarity. Consider synonyms like "was favored by" or "was chosen by" to diversify your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was favored by

Indicates a liking or support, slightly more informal than "preferred".

was chosen by

Emphasizes the act of selecting something over other options.

was selected by

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

was favored over

Directly contrasts the preferred item with alternatives that were not chosen.

was opted for by

Highlights a conscious decision to choose something specific.

was picked by

A more casual way of saying something was chosen.

was inclined toward

Suggests a tendency or leaning in a particular direction.

was drawn to by

Implies attraction or allure towards the chosen item.

was keen on by

Indicates enthusiasm or strong liking for something.

was well-liked by

Focuses on the positive reception or popularity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was preferred by" in a sentence?

Use "was preferred by" to indicate that something or someone was chosen over other options. For instance, "The touch-screen "was preferred by" 80% of patients."

What's the difference between "was preferred by" and "was favored by"?

While both phrases indicate a choice or liking, "was preferred by" often implies a more deliberate selection based on specific criteria, whereas "was favored by" suggests a general inclination or liking. Consider replacing it with "was favored by".

What are some alternatives to "was preferred by" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "was selected by", "was chosen by", or "was opted for by" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to use "was preferred by"?

Yes, "was preferred by" is grammatically correct. It is a passive voice construction indicating that someone or something received preference from a particular group or individual.