My intention was to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "My intention was to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining your purpose or goal in a particular situation or action. Example: "My intention was to help you understand the project better, but I realize now that I may have confused you instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

My intention was to minimize my future regret.

The New Yorker

My intention was to repeat me and Ludie.

The New Yorker

My intention was to make this person look incompetent.

The New York Times

My intention was to head towards the hospital.

The Guardian

My intention was to offend everybody, but Rachel thought it was funny and kept it".

The New York Times

My intention was to create a story and let you interpret what it means.

The New York Times

My intention was to work and finish school, but of course, plans change.

The New York Times - Health

"My intention was to say, 'We really can't afford this,' " Ms. Rivers said.

The New York Times

"My intention was to shave my head and send the character up.

The Guardian

My intention was to write a story about what he was doing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

My intention is to continue that trend".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "My intention was to", ensure the subsequent verb accurately reflects the intended action or outcome. Avoid vague or ambiguous verbs that weaken the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid stating "My intention was to" followed by an action that's impossible or illogical. Instead, ensure the intention aligns with realistic and achievable goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My intention was to" functions as an introductory clause that expresses the speaker's purpose or aim behind a past action or decision. Ludwig examples show it preceding an infinitive verb, detailing what one hoped or planned to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "My intention was to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the purpose or aim behind a past action. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives such as "I meant to" or "I aimed to" exist, "My intention was to" provides a clear and often deliberate explanation of one's motivations. Ensure that the verb following the phrase reflects a realistic and achievable action to maintain clarity and logical consistency in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I meant to

This alternative is more direct and implies a prior plan or purpose that may or may not have been fulfilled.

I aimed to

This alternative emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the intention, suggesting a specific target.

I had intended to

This alternative places more emphasis on the original plan or purpose, often implying that it was later changed or abandoned.

It was my aim to

This alternative uses a noun form of 'aim' to convey the same sense of purpose or goal.

My goal was to

This alternative uses 'goal' instead of 'intention', focusing on the desired outcome.

I set out to

This alternative emphasizes the initial action taken towards achieving the intention.

The purpose was to

This alternative shifts the focus to the objective or reason behind an action or decision.

I planned to

This alternative highlights the aspect of planning or preparation involved in the intention.

My objective was to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a specific, measurable outcome.

I had in mind to

This alternative suggests a less concrete or fully formed intention.

FAQs

How can I use "My intention was to" in a sentence?

You can use "My intention was to" to explain the purpose behind a past action. For example, "My intention was to help, but I ended up making things worse."

What are some alternatives to "My intention was to"?

Alternatives include "I meant to", "I aimed to", or "It was my aim to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "My intention is to" instead of "My intention was to"?

Yes, "My intention is to" is used for present or future intentions, while "My intention was to" refers to a past intention. The correct tense depends on when the intention was/is relevant.

What's the difference between "My intention was to" and "I wanted to"?

"My intention was to" suggests a more deliberate and planned purpose, whereas "I wanted to" can imply a more general desire or wish, not necessarily acted upon or carefully considered.