foretrekkes

Foretrekkes is the present passive form of the Norwegian verb foretrekke, which means to prefer. The form is used to indicate that a thing or option is preferred by people, groups, or circumstances. It appears in neutral, informational contexts such as descriptions of options, comparisons, or surveys.

Grammatical notes: Foretrekkes is a finite verb in the present tense and passive voice. The corresponding active form is foretrekker (to prefer). The past passive is ble foretrukket, and the present perfect passive is har blitt foretrukket. The clause usually follows the pattern Dette alternativet foretrekkes av mange (This option is preferred by many). Foretrekkes can be used with agent phrases introduced by av, as in av mange (by many), to indicate who has the preference.

Usage: Foretrekkes is commonly used in descriptive or evaluative text, such as product descriptions, surveys, and policy notes, to denote general or collective preferences without naming a specific actor. It contrasts with the active form when the subject of preference is the thing being described rather than the person or group expressing the preference.

Examples:

Dette alternativet foretrekkes av flertallet. (This option is preferred by the majority.)

Miljøvennlige produkter foretrekkes i økende grad. (Environmentally friendly products are increasingly preferred.)

See also: foretrekke, Norwegian grammar, passive construction.