actual intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's true motives or purposes behind an action or statement. Example: "The actual intention behind his words was to encourage her, not to criticize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

However, perceived enjoyment played a dominant role in determining the actual intention to use them.

Computers & Education

And Jane Doe's lawyers contend that Mr. Hritz's actual intention is to find and punish an errant employee.

The New York Times

By decoding a person's actual intention, the scientists were able to do better at achieving their goal.

The Guardian

For those movements for which the intention choice predicted by the model corresponded to the actual intention, we considered the value of the distributional prediction as 'predicted accuracy'.

Nature

For those movements for which the intention choice predicted by the model did not correspond to the actual intention, we considered '1 - distributional prediction' as 'predicted accuracy'.

Nature

But Cowell is the most obvious example and embodiment of all this, regardless of whether this was his actual intention (which it presumably wasn't).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I cannot peer into his head to identify his actual intentions.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this context, the issue of the president's actual intentions on Iran come into question.

The New York Times

They had a fair amount of information about him, but no intelligence about his actual intentions, they say.

The Guardian - Opinion

How confusion over Mr. Trump's actual intentions toward Moscow will affect that dynamic remains to be seen.

The New York Times

As an example, Chomsky claimed that the press has covered up the actual intentions of Americans in negotiating with the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "actual intention", ensure you're able to substantiate your claim with evidence or reasoning, as it implies knowledge of someone's true motives.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone's "actual intention" without sufficient evidence. Misinterpreting motives can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate judgments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual intention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "actual" modifies the noun "intention". It describes the real or true purpose behind an action or statement. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actual intention" is a common and grammatically sound way to express someone's true motive or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various writing contexts. Analysis reveals that it is used more frequently in news and media and in science domains. When using this phrase, it's important to have sufficient evidence to support your claim about someone's true intentions. Consider alternatives like "real intention" or "underlying motive" for nuanced meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "actual intention" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real intention

Replaces "actual" with "real", emphasizing genuineness.

true intention

Substitutes "actual" with "true", highlighting authenticity.

genuine intention

Emphasizes the sincerity of the intention.

underlying motive

Shifts focus to the driving force behind the intention.

real purpose

Replaces "intention" with "purpose", indicating the aim or goal.

true objective

Focuses on the goal one is trying to achieve.

intended goal

Highlights the desired outcome.

original intent

Emphasizes the initial plan or aim.

hidden agenda

Suggests a concealed intention.

covert purpose

Indicates a secret or disguised aim.

FAQs

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

You can use "actual intention" to describe someone's real motive behind an action, for example: "The politician's actual intention was to gain more votes, not to improve the city".

What are some alternatives to "actual intention"?

You can use alternatives like "real intention", "true intention", or "underlying motive" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "actual intention" and "stated intention"?

"Actual intention" refers to the real motive, while "stated intention" is what someone claims their motive to be. They may not always align.

Is it always possible to know someone's "actual intention"?

No, it can be difficult to determine someone's "actual intention" with certainty. It often requires careful consideration of their actions, words, and the surrounding circumstances.