Usage Note
Préférable is almost always followed by de + infinitive or que + subjunctive — il est préférable de partir tôt (it is preferable to leave early). Unlike préféré (favourite), it signals a reasoned recommendation rather than personal taste. The word is invariable for gender.
Examples
"Il est préférable d'arriver à l'heure."
Natural Translation
It is preferable to arrive on time.
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