bent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bent on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is determined to do something, often with a sense of stubbornness or intensity. Example: "She was bent on finishing the project by the deadline, no matter the obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Both capitals seem bent on doing everything the wrong way.

Yale University

They are bent on revenge.

The Economist

Iran seems bent on slamming it shut.

The Economist

They appear bent on cutting costs.

The Economist

Some unions seem bent on confrontation, alas.

The Economist

He is bent on revenge.

The New York Times - Books

"Madmen bent on creating it.

The New York Times

The Pentagon seems bent on preventing it.

The Washington Post

Trump is bent on wrecking NATO.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And one I was hell-bent on making.

HuffPost

Hell-bent on overthrowing a hostile regime?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bent on" to convey a strong sense of determination, especially when there's an implication of stubbornness or unwavering focus, consider the context to ensure the intensity is appropriate.

Common error

While "bent on" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can make the tone seem overly assertive or informal. Opt for alternatives like "determined to" or "intent on" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent on" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being determined or resolved. It emphasizes a strong intention to achieve a specific outcome, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bent on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong determination or resolve. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose alternatives like "determined to" or "intent on" in very formal settings. It appears frequently in News & Media as well as Academic sources. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to

Replaces "bent" with a more common synonym while maintaining the sense of resolve.

set on

Offers a shorter, more informal alternative emphasizing a firm decision.

intent on

Emphasizes purpose and intention, similar to "bent on".

resolved to

Highlights the firmness of the decision, focusing on the commitment.

dead set on

Adds emphasis to the determination, suggesting an unwavering commitment.

eager to

Shifts the focus to enthusiasm and willingness to pursue a goal.

hell-bent on

Intensifies the determination, often implying recklessness or disregard for consequences.

focused on

Highlights concentration and attention directed toward a specific objective.

keen on

Suggests enthusiasm and interest, though slightly less forceful than "bent on".

obsessed with

Implies an excessive and potentially unhealthy preoccupation with a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "bent on" in a sentence?

You can use "bent on" to describe someone who is firmly determined to do something. For example, "She was "bent on" finishing the marathon, despite her injury".

What are some alternatives to "bent on"?

Alternatives to "bent on" include "determined to", "set on", or "intent on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bent on" formal or informal?

"Bent on" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and many formal contexts. However, in highly formal or professional writing, "determined to" or "intent on" may be preferred for their slightly more elevated register.

What's the difference between "bent on" and "determined to"?

While both phrases indicate a firm intention, "bent on" often suggests a stronger, potentially more stubborn or unwavering focus than "determined to". "Determined to" implies a resolute decision, whereas "bent on" can imply a single-minded pursuit.