what is preferable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is preferable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two options and indicating that one is more desirable than the other. Example: "In this situation, what is preferable to a quick fix is a long-term solution that addresses the root cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, though physicians may not be morally perfect (virtuous in the Stoic sense), they know what is "preferable" for their patients, i.e., to get well, go home and be with their families.

BMC Medical Ethics

Martin Repton, the authority's cabinet member of leisure and cultural services, said: "I think there really are mixed views of what is preferable within my group and within the whole of the city.

BBC

What if the question instead mutates to what is preferable, letting the young or old live or sacrificing one to save many?

TechCrunch

What is preferable, they say, is "LGBT friendly" dementia support in mainstream settings – which relies less on funds and more on cultural change and staff training.

The Guardian

It opens up the dilemma of what is preferable.

BBC

According to the participants, what was preferable in particular was the scientific spirit during the congress which was not clouded by strategic considerations but driven by the curiosity for the research of their fellow students.

Environmental Sciences Europe

A lot of things we do come out of conversation, "What if?" That is preferable to us than a real assignment.

The New York Times

I am less sanguine about VMT taxation's risk to privacy than Randal O'Toole of the Cato Institute, but I do think on the whole making people pay for what they use is preferable to making everyone subsidise a good equally regardless of use.

The Economist

"What's worrying you?" is preferable to "Oh, she'll be fine".

The Guardian

I kid myself that this is preferable to what I heard in my teens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That may in itself be hubristic, but it is preferable to what went before.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly establishes the criteria or reasons why one option is preferable, providing a solid basis for your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "what is preferable to" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "what is more advantageous than" or "what is advisable instead of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is preferable to" functions as a comparative structure, setting up a comparison between two options and highlighting the more desirable one. It introduces a subjective element, suggesting that the 'preferable' option is based on particular criteria or needs. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is preferable to" serves as a comparative tool to express a preference or suggest that one option is more desirable than another. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While versatile across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse, more sophisticated alternatives might enhance formality in academic or professional settings. This guide has provided insights into its usage, along with related phrases, writing guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you effectively incorporate it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is better than

Directly substitutes "preferable" with "better", maintaining a similar comparative meaning.

what is superior to

Emphasizes the higher quality or effectiveness of one option over another.

what is more desirable than

Replaces "preferable" with "more desirable", focusing on the attractiveness of one option.

what is advantageous compared to

Highlights the benefits of one option relative to another.

what is more suitable than

Focuses on the appropriateness of one option over another for a specific purpose.

what is more appropriate than

Highlights the suitability of one option over another in a given situation.

what is favored over

Indicates a preference for one option, implying a deliberate choice.

what is preferred over

A synonym emphasizing the act of choosing one option over another.

what is advisable instead of

Suggests that one option is a better course of action based on wisdom or good judgment.

what is recommended rather than

Highlights that one option is officially or professionally endorsed over another.

FAQs

How can I use "what is preferable to" in a sentence?

You can use "what is preferable to" to compare two options, indicating that one is more desirable. For example, "In this situation, what is preferable to a quick fix is a long-term solution".

What are some alternatives to "what is preferable to"?

You can use alternatives like "what is better than", "what is more desirable than", or "what is preferred over" depending on the context.

Is "what is preferable to" formal or informal?

"What is preferable to" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using alternatives like "what is more advantageous than" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "what is preferable to" differ from "what is better than"?

While both phrases indicate that one option is superior, "what is preferable to" suggests a choice based on specific needs or preferences, whereas "what is better than" implies a more general sense of superiority.