bad intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the ill will or wrongdoing of someone. For example, "We had to part ways with our manager due to bad intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had no bad intentions".

The New York Times - Sports

"They are here with bad intentions".

The New York Times

I guess I have bad intentions".

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't put in with bad intentions.

The New York Times - Science

"He's not playing with bad intentions.

The Guardian - Sport

That costs money, and bad intentions lie behind it.

Princeton University

Bad faith, bad intentions, malefactor… What about Harry?

Princeton University

"There are people that have tremendously bad intentions," he said.

Independent

The only species with bad intentions in this film?

The New York Times - Arts

I thought: How could anyone possibly have any bad intentions?

The Guardian

No coach in the world has bad intentions".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad intentions", ensure the context clearly indicates who holds the negative intent and towards whom or what it is directed for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "bad intentions" when describing unintentional negative consequences; instead, consider phrases that focus on negligence or unforeseen outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad intentions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'with bad intentions') or as part of a larger clause describing someone's motives or plans. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Vice

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

HuffPost

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad intentions" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies malicious or harmful purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys a negative judgment about someone's motives, which is reflected in its frequent usage across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While the phrase carries a negative connotation, its register remains neutral, making it applicable in both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the actor and the intended target, and be mindful of potentially misattributing it to unintentional negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious intent

Focuses more on the malicious nature of the purpose.

evil designs

Implies a more elaborate and sinister plan.

nefarious purposes

More formal and emphasizes the wickedness of the intent.

ill will

Highlights the negative feeling or animosity behind the actions.

sinister motives

Suggests hidden and potentially dangerous reasons.

ulterior motives

Implies hidden motives, though not necessarily malevolent.

dark purposes

Emphasizes the hidden and potentially immoral nature of the intent.

harmful designs

Focuses specifically on the potential for causing harm.

destructive aims

Highlights the potential for damage and destruction.

wicked schemes

Implies a cunning and immoral plan.

FAQs

What does "bad intentions" mean?

"Bad intentions" refers to having malicious or harmful purposes; a desire to cause harm or negative outcomes to others.

How can I use "bad intentions" in a sentence?

You can use "bad intentions" to describe someone's motives, such as: "He approached me with "ulterior motives" and "bad intentions"."

What are some alternative phrases for "bad intentions"?

Alternatives include: "malicious intent", "evil designs", or "nefarious purposes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to ascribe "bad intentions" to someone?

Yes, ascribing "bad intentions" is inherently negative, indicating a belief that someone is acting with malicious or harmful motives. Consider using more neutral language if unsure, like "questionable motives".