with preference given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with preference given to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that certain options or candidates are favored over others in a selection process. Example: "We are accepting applications for the scholarship, with preference given to students from underrepresented communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Upper division course with preference given to upperclassmen.

Stanford University

Upper division course with preference given to upper-classmen.

Stanford University

Enrollment limited to: Dyson students only, with preference given to sophomores and freshmen.. Enrollment limited to: Dyson students only, with preference given to sophomores and freshmen.

Cornell University

The scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the dean, with preference given to women.

Cornell University

Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20 students, with preference given to students from SPH and KSG.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For juniors and seniors, with preference given to students who have taken MS&E 180.

Stanford University

Enrollment limited with preference given to students in the Media Arts and Sciences First Year program.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Two lotteries are to be held in the spring to choose buyers, with preference given to town residents.

The New York Times

Even apprenticeships could be restricted, with preference given to the sons of guild members or the sons of wealthy acquaintances.

Britannica

Admission to the course is by application to the instructor, with preference given to Symbolic Systems students of advanced standing.

Stanford University

For first year Neuroscience graduate students, open to other graduate students as space permits with preference given to Neurosciences students.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with preference given to" when you want to transparently state the criteria for selection, while acknowledging other candidates may still be considered. For example, "Scholarships will be awarded, with preference given to students demonstrating financial need."

Common error

Avoid using "with preference given to" when the selection process is exclusively limited to a specific group. If only veterans are eligible, state that directly, rather than saying "with preference given to veterans."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with preference given to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It indicates that a certain factor or group is favored or prioritized over others in a selection process. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

63%

News & Media

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with preference given to" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys a favored status within a broader selection process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in formal contexts like academia and news media. When using this phrase, ensure that the selection criteria are transparently stated, and avoid using it when the selection is exclusively limited to a specific group. Alternatives such as "favoring" or "prioritizing" can be used for conciseness, and always consider the potential for misinterpreting the selection criteria. The phrase serves to indicate a prioritization while still allowing for other options to be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favoring

Direct synonym; implies active selection.

preferring

Similar to "favoring" but less direct.

prioritizing

Emphasizes ordering by importance.

giving precedence to

More formal way of saying prioritizing.

with priority for

Rephrases to highlight precedence.

with an emphasis on

Shifts focus to what is highlighted.

with a bias toward

Implies a leaning in one direction.

leaning towards

Similar to tending, but more deliberate.

tending towards

Suggests a natural inclination.

showing favoritism towards

Highlights potential unfairness in selection.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "with preference given to" to sound more concise?

You can use alternatives like "favoring" or "prioritizing" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "with preference given to" in a formal setting?

It's appropriate when outlining criteria where certain attributes are favored but not strictly required. This is common in academia, scholarship applications, and grant proposals.

What is the difference between "with preference given to" and "exclusively for"?

"With preference given to" indicates a favored group among many eligible applicants, while "exclusively for" means only that specific group is eligible.

How to use "with preference given to" in a sentence?

You can say, for example, "The course is open to all students, "with preference given to" upperclassmen."