was preferred for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was preferred for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing choices or selections made in favor of something over another option. Example: "In the study, the new method was preferred for its efficiency and accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In general, <500 °C was the preferred temperature for conversion of CO2 to CO whereas >500 °C was preferred for deposition of CO as graphite.

Analytical Chemistry

Willow charcoal, for example, was preferred for cannon powder and dogwood charcoal for small arms a preference substantiated by 19th-century tests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here rectangular brass fin was preferred for analysis.

Applied Thermal Engineering

For fitting the data ElecSus was preferred for providing a fast Python-based fitting routine.

Nature

A cost driven approach was preferred for the first optimization based on sCOD and sSugar.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Direct amperometric thiocholine detection was preferred for further studies, being more sensitive.

Electrochimica Acta

In addition, food used to be eaten with the fingers, hence a thick sauce was preferred for its clinging power.

The New Yorker

Zdenek Hruska played from start to finish against Kuwait, but Stanislav Seman was preferred for the Czech's game against England.

The Guardian - Sport

The maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) was preferred for estimation of the distribution parameters of the Weibull, Pearson-III and GPD.

Coastal Engineering

Considering the toxicity of aflatoxins, a dummy template was preferred for the synthesis of the imprinted polymers.

Journal of Chromatography A

CT/CTA was preferred for diagnosis in 13 vessels (5 ICA, 8 VA), whereas MR imaging/MRA was preferred in 1 vessel (ICA).

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was preferred for", clearly state the reason for the preference to provide context and clarity for the reader. For example, "The new software was preferred for its user-friendly interface and enhanced security features."

Common error

Avoid using "was preferred for" without specifying why something was preferred. Ambiguity weakens your statement. Instead of writing 'This method was preferred for the study', specify the advantages: 'This method was preferred for the study due to its higher accuracy and lower cost'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was preferred for" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate that a particular choice or option was favored over others due to specific reasons or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was preferred for" is a versatile phrase used to express a past preference based on specific reasons. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across different contexts, especially in scientific and academic writing. When employing this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate why something was favored to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your statement. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse fields, demonstrating its adaptability. Considering factors such as intended audience, purpose, register and clarity of expression when using this phrase will make communication more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was favored for

Emphasizes liking or approval as the reason for preference.

was chosen for

Highlights the act of selection or picking out.

was selected for

More formal than "was chosen for", often used in official contexts.

was better suited for

Focuses on the suitability or fitness of something for a particular purpose.

was more appropriate for

Emphasizes the appropriateness or correctness of the choice.

was designated for

Indicates a specific purpose or role for which something was chosen.

was deemed ideal for

Indicates that something was considered the perfect choice.

was appointed for

Suggests a formal assignment or nomination.

was considered superior for

Highlights the higher quality or effectiveness of the chosen option.

was the go-to for

Informal way to indicate that something was the first choice or standard option.

FAQs

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

You can use "was preferred for" to indicate that something was chosen over another option due to specific reasons. For example, "The updated design "was preferred for" its improved usability."

What are some alternatives to "was preferred for"?

Some alternatives include "was favored for", "was chosen for", or "was selected for", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was preferred for"?

While "was preferred for" is in the passive voice, it is often suitable when the actor is not as important as the object being preferred. However, using the active voice might be clearer in some cases. For example, instead of "This method was preferred for the study", you could say "Researchers preferred this method for the study."

How does "was preferred for" differ from "is preferred for"?

"Was preferred for" indicates a past preference, while "is preferred for" indicates a current or ongoing preference. For example, "The older model "was preferred for" its simplicity, but the newer model "is preferred for" its advanced features."