- Do you find yourself saying “make a preference” instead of the natural native alternative?
- Are you unsure whether to use “for,” “to,” or “over” after the word preference?
- Do you want to describe your choices using more sophisticated adjectives than just “big” or “small”?
Mastering Preference Collocations is a vital step toward achieving native-like fluency. In English, words don’t exist in isolation; they live in “neighborhoods” called collocations. By learning which verbs and adjectives naturally bond with the noun “preference,” you reduce your mental translation time, lower language anxiety, and ensure your English sounds modern and professional.
Essential Collocations using PREFERENCE as a Noun
In modern English, “preference” is almost exclusively used as a noun. It refers to a greater liking for one alternative over another. Below, we have categorized the most common pairings based on how they are used in 2024.
Adjectives used with Preference
These adjectives help you describe the strength or nature of a choice.
- Strong preference: A very clear and firm choice. (e.g., “Most users have a strong preference for the new interface.”)
- Personal preference: A choice based on individual taste rather than objective facts. (e.g., “Whether you use dark mode or light mode is a matter of personal preference.”)
- Clear preference: An obvious choice that is easy to see. (e.g., “The survey showed a clear preference for remote work.”)
- Stated preference: What someone says they want, often in a formal context. (e.g., “We must respect the stated preference of the patient.”)
- Sexual preference: A standard term used to describe romantic attraction (Note: ‘Sexual orientation’ is often preferred in formal/clinical contexts, but ‘preference’ remains in common usage).
Verbs used with Preference
These are the “action words” that tell us what is being done with a preference.
- Express a preference: To say or write what you want. (e.g., “Please express a preference for your preferred meeting time.”)
- Give preference to: To treat one person or thing better than others. (e.g., “The company gives preference to internal candidates.”)
- Show a preference: To demonstrate a choice through behavior. (e.g., “Toddlers often show a preference for sweet snacks.”)
- Indicate a preference: To point out a choice, often on a form or survey. (e.g., “Kindly indicate a preference by ticking the box.”)
- Have a preference: The most common way to state you have a choice. (e.g., “Do you have a preference for Italian or Chinese food?”)
Prepositions used with Preference
Choosing the right preposition is the most common struggle for ESL learners.
- Preference for: Used to name the thing you like. (e.g., “I have a preference for organic coffee.”)
- Preference over: Used when comparing two things directly. (e.g., “The team showed a preference over the original plan.”)
- In preference to: Used to say you chose one thing instead of another. (e.g., “He chose the train in preference to the bus.”)
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Strong preference | Adjective + Noun | A very high level of liking. |
| Express a preference | Verb + Noun | To tell someone what you want. |
| Preference for | Noun + Preposition | Linking the choice to the object. |
| Give preference to | Verb + Noun + Prep | To prioritize one thing over others. |
| Personal preference | Adjective + Noun | A choice based on your own taste. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| I make a preference for tea. | I have a preference for tea. |
| He has a preference to blue. | He has a preference for blue. |
| It is my big preference. | It is my strong preference. |
| I took this in preference of that. | I took this in preference to that. |
Contextual Story
“When designing the new office layout, the management team decided to express a preference for open-plan spaces. While some employees voiced a strong preference for private cubicles, the final decision was based on a clear preference for collaborative environments seen in modern tech firms. Ultimately, the company decided to give preference to sustainable materials in preference to cheaper, plastic alternatives, proving that personal preference often takes a backseat to corporate values.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Preference Collocations
Is “preference” countable or uncountable?
It can be both. When referring to the general idea of choosing, it is uncountable (e.g., “Preference is given to local residents”). When referring to a specific choice, it is countable (e.g., “He has many dietary preferences”).
Should I use “preference for” or “preference to”?
Usually, you use “preference for” followed by the thing you like (e.g., preference for tea). You only use “to” when using the phrase “in preference to” or “give preference to.”
Can I say “big preference”?
While people will understand you, it is not a common collocation. Native speakers almost always say “strong preference” or “marked preference” instead of “big.”
What is the difference between “preference” and “choice”?
“Preference” refers to your internal liking or desire, while “choice” refers to the actual act of picking something. You might have a preference for the red car but make the choice to buy the blue one because it is cheaper.
How do I use “preference” in a formal email?
In formal contexts, use the verb “indicate.” For example: “Please indicate your preference for the seating arrangement by Friday.”
Why do we say 'in order of preference'? Is 'order' a collocation here too?
I used 'indicated a preference' in a cover letter recently. After reading this, I feel much more confident that I used it correctly. Thank you!
You're very welcome, Aisha! 'Indicated a preference' sounds very polished in a cover letter. Good luck with your application!
Is 'strong preference' stronger than 'clear preference'?
I love the examples. Could you perhaps make a post about collocations for the word 'Decision' next? I always make mistakes with that one too!
That's a fantastic suggestion, Olga! We've added 'Decision collocations' to our content calendar. Stay tuned!
I am confused. Can I say 'I have a preference to coffee'? It sounds okay to me, but the article says 'for'.
Is 'dietary preference' the correct way to talk about being vegetarian or vegan at a dinner party?
Exactly, Clara! 'Dietary preference' or 'dietary requirements' are the standard, polite terms to use in social or catering situations.
I've seen 'stated preference' in a few economics articles. Is that the same as 'expressed preference'?
What about the verb 'express'? Can I say 'The customers expressed a preference for the blue packaging'?
Perfect usage, Kenji! 'Express a preference' is a very common and professional collocation used in marketing and customer service reports.
In Brazil, we have a similar word, but we use it differently. The tip about 'mental translation time' really hit home for me. I spend too much time translating in my head.
Can I use 'slight preference' to sound more polite when I don't want to be too assertive about my choice?
Yes, Savitri! That is a very sophisticated way to soften your opinion. 'I have a slight preference for the first option' sounds very professional and diplomatic.