a nice intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a positive or kind motive behind someone's actions or words. Example: "Although the gift was not what I expected, I appreciated the nice intention behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is not just an aspirational thing, it's not just a nice intention, it is a binding target we are proposing," said Ms Hedegaard.

BBC

(And I hear that some people in Newtown are taking down their lights and stuff because it doesn't feel right, and I thing that's probably a nice intention, but is it REALLY a good thing to make that part of the world less cheerful? I mean, what would you do?).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He's a nice man with good intentions, but in the end he'll be remembered for timidity," said Ross K. Baker, a political scientist at Rutgers University.

The New York Times

I am sure Ashley Judd is a nice person with good intentions, but she is another example of NGO's using the bully pulpit of celebrity to line their coffers, while they operate with a western sensibility, forcing western values on tribal populations.

Huffington Post

The Mets are in similar circumstances now, seeking to lure a dynamic free agent from a nice situation, and may have similar intentions.

The New York Times

If I didn't share my heartfelt intention, this would have just been a nice idea that never happened.

Huffington Post

Barker's intention, after all, hadn't been to give me a nice night out – and yet somehow I'd managed to have one.

The Guardian

A nice, colorful costume will help attract attention and give your performance some intention.

WikiHow

If a VC hands you a check, their intention is not to hang around for 20 years while you build a nice lifestyle business for yourself.

TechCrunch

I wrote about Kitware's intention to create "behavior recognition" in camera systems, and this "Questionable Observer Detector" seems like it would be a nice complement to it.

TechCrunch

A nice side dish.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a nice intention", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the positive aspect of the intention. Avoid using it sarcastically or in situations where the intention is questionable.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a nice intention" automatically excuses poor execution or negative consequences. The intention is only one part of the overall evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice intention" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a purpose or goal that is perceived as kind or well-meaning. As Ludwig suggests, it denotes a positive motive behind an action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

34%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nice intention" is a noun phrase used to describe a kind or well-meaning purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to acknowledge the positive motivation behind an action, often in contexts where the outcome is not entirely successful. While applicable in various settings, it's important to remember that a good intention does not automatically excuse poor execution. Consider alternatives like "a well-meant idea" or "a kind motive" for variations in emphasis. Understanding the communicative purpose and context is crucial for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-meant idea

Replaces "intention" with "idea", focusing on the thought process rather than the purpose.

a kind motive

Substitutes "nice" with "kind" and "intention" with "motive", highlighting the benevolence behind the action.

a good purpose

Focuses on the positive aim or goal behind an action, using "purpose" instead of "intention".

a generous thought

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and generosity behind an action or plan.

a thoughtful gesture

Highlights the considerate nature of an action, framing it as a "gesture".

a benevolent aim

Replaces "nice" with "benevolent", stressing the well-meaning nature of the goal.

a charitable impulse

Focuses on the spontaneous, generous urge behind an action.

a commendable desire

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the wish or aspiration.

a laudable goal

Focuses on the worthiness and admirability of the objective.

a positive impetus

Emphasizes the beneficial driving force behind an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nice intention" to describe a well-meaning but perhaps flawed plan, like: "Although the project had "a nice intention", its execution was problematic."

What's a more formal way to express "a nice intention"?

Consider using phrases like "a well-meaning motive" or "a benevolent purpose" for a more formal tone. These alternatives emphasize the positive and ethical aspects of the underlying reason for action.

What can I say instead of "a nice intention" if I want to emphasize the result?

If the outcome is more important than the intention, focus on the impact using phrases like "a positive outcome" or "a beneficial effect" instead.

Is it always appropriate to praise "a nice intention"?

Not necessarily. While acknowledging a good intention is polite, it's important to also assess the actual impact. If the results are negative, focus on learning from the experience rather than solely praising the intention.