what I prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

"what I prefer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express your opinion on a subject, for example: "When it comes to vacation destinations, what I prefer is somewhere beachy with plenty of activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

In all such cases, opponents of preference utilitarianism can deny that what I prefer is really good.

SEP

That's what I prefer.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's what I prefer.

The Guardian - Books

"A matte look is what I prefer.

The New York Times - Magazine

I prefer the trophy, that's what I prefer," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"What I prefer is that people stumble upon them.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"This is what I preferred," she said in an interview.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Riolo observed: "No. 5 is what I preferred the most as time went on (which under different names has sold liquor and wine since 1934) at first it was unruly".

The New York Times

Not what I preferred was happening.

Huffington Post

When Iowa recruited me, they asked what I preferred.

Los Angeles Times

My former boss cornered me in my cubical, looked into my eyes and asked me what I preferred to be called.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what I prefer", ensure that the context clearly indicates what alternatives are being considered. This clarifies the choice being made and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "what I prefer" without specifying why you prefer it. Providing a reason adds depth and persuasiveness to your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what I prefer" functions as a subject complement or a direct object in a sentence. It introduces a clause that expresses a personal preference or choice. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it completes the meaning of a verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what I prefer" is a versatile expression for conveying personal choice or inclination. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media. When using "what I prefer", be sure to provide clear context to ensure your preference is easily understood. While alternatives like "my preference is" exist, "what I prefer" strikes a balance between formality and everyday use, making it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my preference is

Replaces the clause with a noun phrase indicating preference.

I would rather

Uses a modal verb to express a choice between alternatives.

I favor

Employs a verb indicating a leaning towards something.

I'm inclined to

Indicates a tendency or disposition towards something.

I lean towards

Expresses a direction or tendency of choice.

my inclination is

Uses a noun phrase to denote a natural tendency or urge.

I'm partial to

Shows a bias or fondness for something.

I gravitate towards

Implies a natural movement or attraction towards something.

I'm disposed to

Suggests a state of mind that favors something.

I'm wont to

Uses an archaic expression to indicate a customary preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "what I prefer" to express your personal inclination or choice, such as "What I prefer is tea over coffee".

What are some alternatives to "what I prefer"?

Alternatives include "my preference is", "I would rather", or "I favor", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "what I prefer" or "my preference is"?

"My preference is" tends to be more formal than "what I prefer", which is generally suitable for most situations.

What's the difference between "what I prefer" and "what I like"?

"What I prefer" often implies a comparison or a conscious choice between options, while "what I like" simply expresses enjoyment or fondness.