a good intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the purpose or motivation behind an action, often implying that the action may not have had the desired outcome despite the positive motivation. Example: "Although the plan failed, it was driven by a good intention to help the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Until then, it is only a good intention.

Harvard Business Review

We just set a good intention to do things differently, and we leave it at that.

University of California, Berkeley

It stemmed from a good intention, focusing on the idea of an America run by Obama".

The New York Times

Because buried underneath layers of wince-inducing carnage, there is a good intention here.

The Guardian - Film

"We had a good intention - it was designed to allow people to dwell on the images without the commentary.

The Guardian

Unless a decision has degenerated into work, it is not a decision; it is at best a good intention.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It really is a lovely plight, with a deeply good intention for television.

Huffington Post

There is a lot of good intention, but the impact does not match the intention.

HuffPost

Lots of good intention, not a lot of follow-through.

The New York Times

It's like a leafy metaphor for the good intention.

The Guardian - Business

I give Martin a pass for good intentions but a fail for originality.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good intention", consider clarifying the specific action or plan associated with that intention to provide a clearer understanding of the context. For instance, instead of just stating "it was a good intention", elaborate by saying "the project started with a good intention to improve local education".

Common error

Avoid solely relying on the presence of "a good intention" as justification for ineffective or harmful outcomes. Acknowledge that good intentions alone are insufficient and should be accompanied by careful planning, execution, and evaluation to ensure positive results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good intention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to describe or identify a positive motive or purpose behind an action. Ludwig examples show it used to qualify actions or decisions. The Ludwig AI states that it is correct and usable in written English, and appropriate when discussing purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good intention" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe the positive motivation underlying an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile across various contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media and Academia. Although expressing a positive motive, remember that actions should be judged by their impact and results, not just the presence of "a good intention". It's important to plan and execute with diligence to reach the desired outcomes. Consider alternatives like "a noble motive" or "a well-meaning plan" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-meaning plan

Replaces "intention" with "plan" and emphasizes the positive aim with "well-meaning".

a noble motive

Substitutes "intention" with "motive", highlighting the underlying reason for an action and uses "noble" to signify high moral quality.

a well-meaning impulse

Emphasizes the positive sentiment behind the action, focusing on a benevolent driving force.

a virtuous aim

Replaces "intention" with "aim", focusing on the goal, and uses "virtuous" to stress the moral aspect.

a benevolent purpose

Substitutes "intention" with "purpose", emphasizing the reason for doing something, and uses "benevolent" to highlight kindness and goodwill.

a positive objective

Replaces "intention" with "objective", focusing on the desired outcome, and uses "positive" to indicate a beneficial result.

a constructive goal

Substitutes "intention" with "goal", emphasizing the desired endpoint, and uses "constructive" to indicate usefulness and building toward something.

a charitable impulse

Replaces "intention" with "impulse", focusing on the driving force behind an action, and uses "charitable" to emphasize generosity and kindness.

an altruistic motivation

Substitutes "intention" with "motivation", highlighting the driving force behind an action, and uses "altruistic" to emphasize selflessness.

a humanitarian design

Replaces "intention" with "design", focusing on the planned action, and uses "humanitarian" to emphasize concern for human welfare.

FAQs

How can I use "a good intention" in a sentence?

You can use "a good intention" to describe the motivation behind an action, such as, "Despite the negative consequences, the project was started with "a good intention" to help the community".

What phrases can I use instead of "a good intention"?

You can use alternatives such as "a noble motive", "a virtuous aim", or "a well-meaning plan" depending on the specific context.

Is it sufficient to rely solely on "a good intention" when making decisions?

No, while "a good intention" is a positive starting point, it is essential to also consider the potential consequences, plan carefully, and execute effectively to ensure a favorable outcome.

What's the difference between "a good intention" and "a well-executed plan"?

"A good intention" refers to the positive motivation behind an action, while "a well-executed plan" describes a strategy that has been carefully designed and implemented effectively. Having "a good intention" is beneficial, but it does not guarantee success without "a well-executed plan".