preferably

preferably — adverb

1. used to show which choice would be best or most wanted when there is a choice.

1.副詞B2
釋義

used to show which choice would be best or most wanted when there is a choice.

例句

Please send the photos tonight, preferably before the family dinner starts.

preferably before + time phrase

We would like a table by the window, preferably near the back.

main clause, preferably + place detail

同義詞
  • ideally

    stronger and often points to the perfect situation, not just the better one

  • if possible

    more neutral and practical, with less focus on personal preference

  • by preference

    formal and less common in everyday speech

文法句型

main clause, preferably + phrase

preferably before/by/in + phrase

preferably + place, time, or method

用法筆記

Usually comes after the main request, instruction, or piece of advice, then introduces the time, place, method, or kind of thing the speaker wants most. Common in polite requests, notices, and job ads.

常見錯誤

❌Preferably I want a seat by the door.
✅I want a seat, preferably by the door.
💡'preferably' usually introduces the preferred detail after the main request.
❌We already went preferably by train.
✅We preferred to go by train.
💡use 'preferably' for the option you want, not for a choice already made.