a matter of intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance or significance of someone's intentions in a particular context or situation. Example: "In this debate, it is crucial to understand that the outcome is not just about the actions taken, but also a matter of intention behind those actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's often a matter of intention versus accident.

The New York Times - Arts

They either graced your life or destroyed it, but it was not a matter of intention.

The New Yorker

Reader Paul Leopold writes: Surely what makes a murder a lynching is also a matter of intention.

The New Yorker

If orthodoxy were a matter of intention, no theologian could be more orthodox than Origen, none more devoted to the cause of Christian faith.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Again, basic cultural theory will tell you that need not be a matter of intention, and in this case, it almost certainly wasn't.

The Guardian - Opinion

This suggests that the internal difference is a matter of intention.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Given that speaker meaning is a matter of speaker intention, it follows that speaker implicatures can be recognized or predicted by any of the methods we use to infer intentions from behavior.

SEP

Follow Naveen Kumar on Twitter.

Vice

It used to be a matter of good intentions gone awry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is this a matter of good intentions and poor follow-through?

The Washington Post

Her agenda is controversial, not simply a matter of good intentions and smart planning.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of intention", ensure that the context clearly establishes whose intention is being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a matter of the company's intention" rather than simply "a matter of intention".

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of intention" when discussing skills or innate abilities. "Intention" implies a deliberate plan, not inherent talent. For instance, instead of saying "his success was just a matter of intention", consider "his success was due to his natural talent and hard work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of intention" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject complement or an appositive, providing further information about a subject. It emphasizes that the core aspect of something hinges on intent. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of intention" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of intent in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used to signify that the underlying purpose is critical to understanding an event or action. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts, notably in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, it's essential to specify whose intention is being referenced for clarity. Alternative phrases include "a question of intent" and "an issue of purpose".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of intent

Emphasizes the inquiry or determination of someone's purpose.

an issue of purpose

Highlights the significance of the goal or aim behind an action.

a function of design

Suggests the outcome is directly related to a pre-planned scheme.

a question of motivation

Focuses on the underlying reasons or driving forces.

a product of volition

Indicates a result stemming from conscious choice or will.

dependent on aim

Implies that the outcome hinges on the intended target or objective.

contingent on purpose

Highlights that the outcome is conditional upon the intended result.

subject to design

Emphasizes the influence of planning and foresight on the final result.

tied to objective

Highlights that the outcome is directly linked to the stated goal.

related to the plan

Signifies a correlation with the pre-determined course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a matter of intention" to emphasize that the outcome depends on someone's purpose or plan. For example, "Whether this project succeeds is "a matter of intention" and dedication from the team".

What's a more formal way to say "a matter of intention"?

A more formal alternative is "a question of intent". This phrase is suitable for academic or professional contexts where precision is important.

What can I say instead of "a matter of intention"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue of purpose", "a question of motivation", or "dependent on aim" depending on the specific context.

Is "a matter of intention" always about positive intent?

No, "a matter of intention" can refer to either positive or negative intent. The context determines whether the intention is benevolent or malicious. For example, "The damage was "a matter of intention", not accident" implies malicious intent.