a matter of intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the purpose or motivation behind an action or decision. Example: "In legal cases, the outcome often hinges on whether it was a matter of intent or simply an accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's a matter of intent," he said.

The New York Times

We've considered the Tricycle's decision as a matter of intent.

Independent

It is not a matter of intent that we are not going into North Waziristan.

The Economist

The case ultimately comes down to a matter of intent, something famously difficult to prove.

The Guardian - Opinion

Part is a matter of intent.

Huffington Post

When a university assumes the role of a nurturing entity, a concept like globalization becomes a matter of intent.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Their survival is wholly a matter of our intent.

The New York Times

And for Pete's sake -- if that "gaffe" is just the result of a candidate in the heat of the campaign searching for the right explanation, making a semantic or syntactical error, and we can all reliably say that the resulting statement is a matter of missed intent, surely our debate moderators can manifest the maturity necessary to not "play dumb" and turn the discourse into an idiot plot.

Huffington Post

The dissections of Anthony, in particular, have too often dwelled on passing as a simple matter of intent, as if creativity is all about being less selfish, of free will.

The New York Times - Sports

Afghan intelligence officials say they believe that the scarcity of many civilian deaths was more a matter of chance than intent.

The New York Times

As the Microsoft II court itself acknowledged, the issue before it was the construction to be placed upon a single provision of a consent decree that, although animated by antitrust considerations, was nevertheless still primarily a matter of determining contractual intent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical implications, using "a matter of intent" can add precision to your argument, highlighting the importance of proving or disproving intentionality.

Common error

Avoid assuming intent based solely on the outcome of an action. Just because something went wrong does not automatically mean it was "a matter of intent". Intent requires evidence or explicit demonstration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of intent" functions as a noun phrase that identifies intent as the crucial aspect or determining factor in a given situation. According to Ludwig, it highlights that the outcome or assessment hinges on the underlying purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a matter of intent" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that emphasizes the importance of purpose and motivation, as affirmed by Ludwig. While relatively uncommon, it frequently appears in News & Media, highlighting its relevance in discussing various situations. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is appropriate for neutral registers. When using this phrase, remember to focus on demonstrable intention and avoid assuming intent based solely on outcomes. Alternatives like "a question of intention" and "a point of purpose" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of intention

Changes the word "matter" to "question", focusing on the act of questioning the intent.

a point of purpose

Substitutes "intent" with "purpose", highlighting the desired outcome.

an issue of motivation

Replaces "intent" with "motivation", emphasizing the driving force behind an action.

a subject of deliberation

Focuses on the careful consideration of intent, changing "matter" with "subject".

a case of design

Highlights the intentional planning or design behind an action.

a problem of volition

Emphasizes the will or conscious decision-making involved.

a function of resolve

Underscores the determination and commitment related to intent.

a determination of motive

Shifts the focus to uncovering the underlying motive or reason.

a study in aims

Focuses on analysing and understanding the goals or aims.

a product of deliberation

Highlights that the intent it's product of careful consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of intent" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of intent" to emphasize that the key factor in a situation is the purpose or motivation behind an action. For example, "Whether this was accidental or "a matter of intent" will determine the legal consequences."

What is an alternative to saying "a matter of intent"?

Alternatives include "a question of intention", "a point of purpose", or "an issue of motivation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it's all a matter of intent"?

Yes, "it's all a matter of intent" is grammatically correct. It means the outcome or significance of something depends entirely on the underlying purpose or motivation.

What's the difference between "a matter of intent" and "a statement of intent"?

"A matter of intent" refers to the underlying purpose or motivation behind an action, while "a statement of intent" is a formal declaration of one's goals or plans.