a secondary intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secondary intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a purpose or goal that is not the primary focus but still holds significance. Example: "The project aims to improve community engagement, but a secondary intention is to foster local partnerships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In this way, it was very clear that the play was designed for a hearing audience with a secondary intention of being accessible to the Deaf.

The Guardian

Detective Superintendent Keith Niven, of the Metropolitan police, who led the British team called on by the Antiguan authorities to help with the investigation, said he was convinced Martin and Howell's main aim had been to kill first – and robbery was a secondary intention.

The Guardian

We will also perform a secondary "intention to treat" analysis in which the dependent variable is a failure indicator defined as failing to achieve a minimal clinically important improvement in WOMAC function score (one half of the standard deviation) [ 15, 16].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sutureless gastroschisis repair involves covering the abdominal wall defect with the umbilical cord or a synthetic dressing to allow closure by secondary intention.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

In a study comparing the skin substitute with secondary intention healing after Mohs micrographic or excisional surgery (Gohari et al 2002), the human skin substitute produced a more pliable, less vascular scar with a better cosmetic appearance than those healing by secondary intention.

Clinical interventions in aging

Grade II wounds should be left to heal by secondary intention, or be closed primarily at a later time after postoperative infection has been ruled out (Grade C).

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

a) In the test group, no primary wound closure was achieved (left) and the barrier was left exposed for secondary intention healing.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

This article provides the rationale and protocol for a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial, designed to provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of resuturing of dehisced perineal wounds, versus healing by expectancy (secondary intention) and to feed into the design and feasibility of a larger definitive trial.

BMJ Open

To evaluate outcomes associated with choice of wound management, ie, primary closure or healing by secondary intention, of osseous defects after excision of maxillofacial bone lesions as a guide to clinical practice.

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The secondary intention of the policy, the officials said, is to limit information that might give pranksters ideas.

The New York Times

There are three general techniques of wound treatment; primary intention, in which all tissues, including the skin, are closed with suture material after completion of the operation; secondary intention, in which the wound is left open and closes naturally; and third intention, in which the wound is left open for a number of days and then closed if it is found to be clean.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a secondary intention", ensure that the primary intention is clearly defined to avoid confusion about the relative importance of each.

Common error

Avoid presenting the secondary intention as the main focus; this can dilute the message and make your overall purpose less clear. Make sure that you give more focus and emphasis on the primary intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secondary intention" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as an object or complement within a sentence, indicating a goal or purpose that is subordinate to the primary one. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secondary intention" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a subordinate goal or purpose. Ludwig indicates that it is appropriate for use in written English. While not highly frequent, it appears in diverse contexts, including news and science. When employing this phrase, ensure the primary intention remains the central focus and avoid confusion. Alternatives include "an additional purpose" or "a supplementary goal". Remember that unlike "an ulterior motive", "a secondary intention" typically conveys a neutral or positive aim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional purpose

Focuses on the supplemental nature of the intention.

a supplementary goal

Highlights the goal as being extra or supportive.

a minor objective

Emphasizes the lesser importance of the objective.

a side aim

Indicates an intention that runs alongside the main one.

an ulterior motive

Suggests a hidden or less obvious intention.

a fallback plan

Implies an intention that is activated if the primary one fails.

a less important consideration

Underlines the reduced significance of the intention.

a subordinate objective

Presents the intention as being under the control of another.

an auxiliary aim

Uses a more formal term to describe a helping or supporting intention.

an indirect purpose

Highlights the roundabout or veiled nature of the purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secondary intention" to describe a supporting or less important goal alongside a primary one. For instance, "The company's primary goal is to increase revenue, but "a secondary intention" is to improve employee satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to saying "a secondary intention"?

Alternatives include "an additional purpose", "a supplementary goal", or "a minor objective". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to focus on the primary or secondary intention when communicating a goal?

While both are important, the primary intention should receive the most emphasis. The secondary intention provides additional context but shouldn't overshadow the main objective.

How does "a secondary intention" differ from "an ulterior motive"?

"A secondary intention" typically refers to an additional, often positive or neutral, goal. "An ulterior motive" suggests a hidden and potentially less ethical reason behind an action.