belligerent intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belligerent intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe aggressive or hostile motives or plans, often in a political or military context. Example: "The country's recent military buildup has raised concerns about its belligerent intentions towards its neighbors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The principal reason lay in the wording of the Hague Convention of 1907, which states: "A person can only be considered a spy when, acting clandestinely or on false pretences, he obtains or endeavours to obtain information in the zone of operations of a belligerent, with the intention of communicating it to the hostile party".

Wikipedia

At the time, it seemed that the popular, belligerent minister who had publicly declared his intention to celebrate the New Year in his hometown of Tskhinvali, the unofficial capital of the breakaway region of South Ossetia had been removed in order to offer some reassurance to NATO, an organisation that Mr Saakashvili is determined to join.

The Economist

How the World Swung to the Right provides a comprehensive overview of this reactionary, individualist, cynical, and belligerent shift, which often has been cloaked in the guise of entertainment and good intentions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The other day, 125 townspeople showed up for a community meeting about the influx of visitors, especially "belligerent young males fueled with alcohol and beach air who come to Bolinas with the intention of getting really wasted," in the words of Steve Kinsey, president of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, the town's official governing body.

The New York Times

Or belligerent.

The New York Times

He was intensely belligerent.

The New York Times

Russia is more belligerent.

The Economist

"Proof, not belligerent assertion.

The New York Times

Some are downright belligerent.

The Washington Post

Would Deny Belligerent Rights.

The New York Times

"It means belligerent, argumentative, confrontational".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "belligerent intentions", ensure the context clearly establishes the aggressive or hostile nature of the plans or motives being described. It's often used in political or military contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "belligerent intentions" in situations where the plans or motives are merely competitive or assertive, rather than genuinely aggressive or hostile. Using a less charged term might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belligerent intentions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "belligerent" modifies the noun "intentions". Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English. This phrase typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence to describe the underlying motivations of an entity.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "belligerent intentions" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to describe aggressive or hostile motivations, commonly found in political and military contexts. Though examples are limited, its usage is consistent across formal registers. The phrase is most often found in news and academic contexts, signifying a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives such as "aggressive designs" and "hostile aims" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly supports the assertion of aggressive or hostile intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bellicose objectives

Similar to "belligerent intentions" but uses "bellicose", another word for aggression.

aggressive designs

Emphasizes planning and scheming with aggressive intent.

hawkish plans

Refers to plans associated with a pro-war or aggressive stance.

hostile aims

Focuses on the antagonistic nature of the objectives.

militant ambitions

Suggests a strong desire for aggressive expansion or dominance.

warlike purposes

Highlights the intention to engage in warfare.

combative motives

Stresses the drive to fight or contend.

antagonistic goals

Highlights the opposition and conflict inherent in the aims.

pugnacious aspirations

Emphasizes a readiness and eagerness to fight.

truculent objectives

Highlights the harsh and defiant nature of the goals.

FAQs

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

You can use "belligerent intentions" to describe aggressive or hostile motives or plans, often in a political or military context. For example: "The country's recent military buildup has raised concerns about its "belligerent intentions" towards its neighbors."

What's a good substitute for "belligerent intentions"?

Alternatives include "aggressive designs", "hostile aims", or "warlike purposes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "belligerent intentions" formal or informal?

"Belligerent intentions" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for use in news reports, academic papers, and other serious contexts.

What is the difference between "belligerent intentions" and "aggressive motives"?

"Belligerent intentions" often suggests a greater emphasis on open hostility and willingness to engage in conflict, while "aggressive motives" can encompass a broader range of forceful or assertive behaviors.