we have preferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have preferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or inclination towards something over another option, typically in a formal context. Example: "After careful consideration, we have preferred the proposal submitted by the second vendor due to its competitive pricing and comprehensive services."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Would we have preferred that he didn't know Fastow?" Mr. Boies asked.

The New York Times

The sea is always with us, and consequently we have preferred mountains, lakes, or forests.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have preferred to be moneylenders to being manufacturers". So spoke the Tory MP Leo Amery.

The Times

At Cornell, we have preferred the Dorset because they are reasonably aseasonal and we have an established flock.

Cornell University

In our federal structure we have preferred, as with other kinds of emergencies (such as natural disasters), to have the states provide the first line of defense, with the federal government providing backup.

The New York Times

We have preferred to keep them as evidence of the freedom Tolstoy allowed himself in Russian". The differences between these two translations, in other words, stem not from a difference in goals or attitudes toward Tolstoy's style but from differences in the ways the translators actually read the text.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We've preferred to sell minority stakes, which is always harder," Mr Cebrián said.

The New York Times - Tech

It may also explain why we've preferred to leave send-ups to entertainers such as Charlie Chaplin, Mel Brooks and John Cleese.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're all embarrassed, we would have preferred to avoid such an affair.

The Guardian - Sport

We would have preferred more Mexican specialties, but we seemed to be in the minority.

The New York Times - Travel

We bought it from Italy, although we would have preferred to have bought British.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we have preferred" to express a formal or considered choice, particularly in academic or professional contexts. For instance, "We have preferred this methodology due to its robustness and reliability."

Common error

Avoid using "we have preferred" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we chose" or "we liked" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have preferred" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action with present relevance. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a choice or inclination towards something, often implying a reasoned decision. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to convey preference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we have preferred" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a deliberate choice or inclination, predominantly in formal, scientific, and news contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests it's best employed when conveying a reasoned decision, often providing justification for the preference. While common, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its usage in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have chosen

This alternative directly replaces 'preferred' with 'chosen', emphasizing the act of selecting.

we have selected

Emphasizes the selection made from multiple options.

we have opted for

This alternative implies a deliberate decision to select a specific option.

we have favored

This alternative replaces 'preferred' with 'favored', indicating a bias or liking towards something.

we have decided on

This emphasizes the decision-making aspect of preferring something.

we have gravitated towards

This alternative suggests a natural tendency or inclination towards something.

we have leaned towards

This alternative suggests a slight preference or inclination.

we have inclined towards

Similar to 'leaned towards', this suggests a tendency to favor something.

our preference is for

This rephrases the sentence to highlight the preference itself rather than the act of preferring.

we would rather

This expresses a conditional preference.

FAQs

How can I use "we have preferred" in a sentence?

Use "we have preferred" to indicate a choice or inclination, especially in formal or professional contexts. For example, "We have preferred the data collected via the new method due to its accuracy."

What are some alternatives to "we have preferred"?

You can use alternatives like "we have chosen", "we have opted for", or "we have favored" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "we have preferred" or "we preferred"?

"We have preferred" is typically used when the preference is still relevant or ongoing, while "we preferred" indicates a preference in the past that may no longer be current. Context determines the best choice.

What is the difference between "we have preferred" and "our preference is"?

"We have preferred" emphasizes the action of choosing or preferring something, while "our preference is" highlights the state of having a preference. The first focuses on the decision, the second on the existing inclination.