we preferred that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we preferred that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or desire regarding a specific action or situation. Example: "In the meeting, we preferred that everyone submit their reports by Friday to ensure timely review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We liked having our dog with us and we preferred that there were no jumping pillows, swimming pools, big amenity blocks or an on-site office selling ice-creams.

The Guardian - Travel

We preferred that the same professionals participated in both interviews, but because of different shifts, five new participants were included in two of the follow-up interviews.

BMC Nursing

On balance, we preferred that a site gets credit only when a person either became less impaired on the improvement measure or more impaired on the decline measure.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

So we prefer that".

The New Yorker

We prefer that".

The New York Times

He said: "As strikers we prefer that system as it gives us more attacking opportunities and if we don't use that system we suffer a bit.

The Guardian - Sport

Shouldn't we prefer that undergraduates with good ideas wait a bit before rushing to journals with them?

Science Magazine

"As strikers, we prefer that system as it gives us more attacking opportunities and if we don't use that system we suffer a bit," said Messi.

BBC

"We prefer that this would be solved politically," he said.

The New York Times

If we must have an extremist, we prefer that he be incompetent.

The New Yorker

"We prefer that he not go that far off the diving board," LeBeau said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a preference, be specific about the context and reasons behind it. This provides clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we preferred that" when describing a situation that didn't actually occur. Instead, use "we would have preferred that" to indicate a past unrealized preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we preferred that" functions as a statement of past preference. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in expressing choices made or inclinations held in specific situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we preferred that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past preference or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it finds application across varied contexts, including news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context and justifications. Consider alternatives like "we favored" or "our preference was for" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we would rather have

Expresses a stronger preference, indicating a clearer choice between alternatives.

we would have favored

More formal and emphasizes a considered judgment in the preference.

we favored

A direct and slightly more concise way of stating a preference.

our preference was for

Shifts the focus to a general preference rather than a specific choice.

we were inclined to

Indicates a leaning or tendency towards a particular option.

we gravitated towards

Suggests a natural pull or attraction towards the preferred option.

we were more disposed to

Implies a prior condition or attitude that influenced the preference.

we leaned towards

Indicates a slight preference, not a strong conviction.

we liked the idea of

Focuses on the appeal of an idea rather than a specific choice.

we were drawn to

Suggests that there's an attractiveness about the chosen item or action.

FAQs

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

Use "we preferred that" to express a past choice or inclination. For example, "We preferred that the meeting be held in the morning."

What's the difference between "we preferred that" and "we would prefer that"?

"We preferred that" refers to a past preference, while "we would prefer that" indicates a current or future preference. The first is retrospective; the second, prospective.

What can I say instead of "we preferred that"?

Alternatives include "we favored", "our preference was for", or "we would rather have", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we preferred that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we preferred that" is grammatically correct for expressing a past preference or choice.