a letter of intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a letter of intent" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a document in which a person or organization states an intention to enter into a contract or agreement. For example, "My lawyer sent a letter of intent to the other party's attorney, outlining the terms of our proposed partnership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He could not sign a letter of intent until February.

The New York Times - Sports

Cole signed a letter of intent with U.C.L.A. last year.

The New York Times - Sports

By mid-May, Gutierrez signed a letter of intent.

The New York Times - Sports

In the spring, when Muhammad signed a letter of intent with U.C.L.A., the N.C.A.A. revved up.

The New York Times

Only a letter of intent, signed by a player during his senior year, constitutes a commitment.

The New York Times - Sports

But without Henderson's signature on a letter of intent, fate could still change.

The New York Times - Sports

The Asian companies have submitted only a letter of intent to acquire Global's assets.

The New York Times

Although Radojevic signed a letter of intent to play for Ohio State, he never did.

The New York Times - Sports

But Camden has Wagner, a senior who has signed a letter of intent to attend Memphis.

The New York Times - Sports

He signed a letter of intent to run track for the University of Arizona.

The New York Times - Sports

Recently, my company sent a letter of intent to the successful bidder.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting "a letter of intent", clearly state which provisions are binding and non-binding to avoid future disputes.

Common error

Don't assume that "a letter of intent" creates a legal obligation. While it outlines intentions, key terms may still need negotiation before a formal contract is finalized.

Linguistic Context

"A letter of intent" functions as a preliminary document outlining the intentions of parties before entering a formal agreement. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in business acquisitions, sports recruitment, and international collaborations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

21%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

14%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a letter of intent" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a document outlining the preliminary understanding between parties before a formal agreement is finalized. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts. While generally non-binding, it serves as a crucial step in negotiations, clarifying intentions and setting the stage for legally binding contracts. When using "a letter of intent", ensure clarity on which provisions are binding to avoid future misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-binding agreement

Emphasizes the lack of legal obligation in the arrangement.

statement of intent

Similar to a declaration but slightly less formal.

memorandum of understanding

Refers to a formal agreement, often non-binding, outlining the intentions of parties.

heads of agreement

Primarily used in the UK, this term describes a non-binding document outlining key terms.

declaration of intent

A more formal and emphatic way of stating one's intentions.

agreement in principle

Signifies that parties have agreed on the main points, but details are still to be finalized.

preliminary agreement

Highlights the initial and non-final nature of the agreement.

term sheet

Commonly used in investment deals, outlining the key terms of an investment.

expression of interest

Focuses on conveying interest in a potential deal or project, less formal than a letter of intent.

comfort letter

A document assuring that one party will meet another's obligation if they cannot themselves.

FAQs

How is "a letter of intent" different from a contract?

"A letter of intent" expresses an intention to enter into a contract, while a contract is a legally binding agreement. A "letter of intent" often outlines the key terms that the parties intend to agree upon.

What should be included in "a letter of intent"?

"A letter of intent" should typically include the parties involved, a description of the proposed agreement, key terms, a timeline, and a statement clarifying whether the agreement is binding or non-binding.

Is "a letter of intent" legally binding?

Generally, "a letter of intent" is non-binding, but specific clauses, such as confidentiality or exclusivity, may be legally enforceable. Legal counsel should be consulted to ensure clarity.

What are some alternatives to "a letter of intent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "memorandum of understanding", "preliminary agreement", or "expression of interest".