preferably

Everyday

1. If possible; it would be better if: «Come early, preferably before nine.» tree →
2. In a way that is chosen or liked more than other ways. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and instructions it marks the best choice when there are several: «Use a pencil, preferably a sharp one.» In recipes and safety notes it tells you what is ideal but not required. Phrases: «preferably not», «preferably before», «preferably in».

Examples

• Bring a drink, preferably water, not fizzy pop. tree →
• Write your answer in pen, preferably black. tree →
• We need a helper, preferably someone tall. tree →
• Go to bed early, preferably by eight. tree →
• Keep the medicine somewhere cool, preferably in the fridge. tree →
• Plant the seeds in spring, preferably on a dry day. tree →
• «Shall I bring my brother?» «Preferably not.» tree →

Note

Spelling: preferably (one r after the f, then -ably). Stress on the first syllable: PREF-er-a-bly. It shows a wish, not a rule: something preferable is better, not must-have. Related: prefer, preference, preferable.