with a preference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a preference for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a preference or a stronger inclination towards one thing over another. For example, "She has a wide range of interests, with a preference for photography."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Column sag in newspapers comes with a preference for "is likely to" over "is".

The New York Times - Books

Shephard is a first-rate writer with a preference for understatement.

The Guardian - Books

Another was nostalgic, with a preference for English classical architecture of about 300 years ago.

The Guardian - Arts

She is no backward-gazing snob with a preference for pedigreed antiques.

The New York Times - Arts

Gifts to this fund support SDM graduate students, with a preference for women.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The larvae feed on apple with a preference for early or long-blooming, heavy-set varieties.

Cornell University

Pt nucleated both at step edges and on terraces, with a preference for the former.

Electrochimica Acta

The anthropocentric value orientation correlated positively with a preference for farm environments, while environmental apathy was negatively associated with a preference for wildlands and cultural landscapes.

Landscape and Urban Planning

South overcalled three diamonds, promising length in both majors with a preference for spades.

The New York Times

Perhaps these cultural roots come with a preference for how to organise firms.

The Economist

With a preference for Scalamandre and Clarence House, Smith looks like an Edith Wharton heroine and spends like one, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with a preference for", ensure that the object of the preference is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They have a preference", specify what they prefer, like "They have a preference for outdoor activities".

Common error

Avoid overusing "with a preference for" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound wordy. Consider using more concise alternatives like "prefers" or "favors" to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a preference for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a favored option or choice. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is widely used to express inclinations in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a preference for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a favored option or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "favoring" or "inclined toward" exist, "with a preference for" offers a clear and widely accepted way to express selective tendencies. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts to maintain conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favoring

This alternative directly indicates a bias or support towards something, being a concise substitute.

with a bias toward

Emphasizes a leaning or prejudice in favor of something; adds a slightly stronger connotation than the original phrase.

inclined toward

Highlights a leaning or tendency; suggests a natural predisposition.

tending towards

Similar to 'inclined toward', suggests a direction or gravitation towards something.

leaning toward

Indicates a partiality or inclination, but less formal.

partial to

A more informal way to express a liking or fondness for something.

with a penchant for

Implies a strong liking or habitual tendency; more emphatic and stylistic.

predisposed to

Highlights a prior tendency or susceptibility.

gravitating towards

Suggests a natural movement or attraction towards something.

exhibiting a fondness for

Suggests demonstrating love for something.

FAQs

How can I use "with a preference for" in a sentence?

Use "with a preference for" to indicate a tendency toward one thing over others, such as, "The committee selected candidates "with a preference for experience"."

What are some alternatives to "with a preference for"?

You can use alternatives like "favoring", "inclined toward", or "partial to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "has a preference for" or "prefers"?

While both are correct, "prefers" is often more concise and direct. "Has a preference for" can be used when you want to add emphasis or detail, but "prefers" is generally more efficient.

What's the difference between "with a bias for" and "with a preference for"?

"With a preference for" suggests a simple liking or inclination, while "with a bias for" implies a stronger, potentially unfair, leaning toward something. Bias suggests prejudice, preference does not.