best of intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best of intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone had good motives or aims, even if the outcome was not as desired. Example: "Although the project didn't turn out as planned, I know she acted with the best of intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I started with the best of intentions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Actually, with the best of intentions.

The New York Times

Trish has the best of intentions when she lies.

The New Yorker

But despite best of intentions, we made very serious mistakes.

Independent

Even actions taken with the best of intentions have consequences.

Independent

Of course, this was manipulation with the best of intentions.

The Guardian

He added, "I had the best of intentions".

The New York Times

"This comes out of the best of intentions," he said.

The New York Times

"People have the best of intentions," Mr. Tafoya said.

The New York Times

Other letters, despite the best of intentions, were less successful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The airport project began with the best of intentions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "best of intentions" when you want to acknowledge that someone's actions, though perhaps misguided or unsuccessful, stemmed from positive motives. It softens criticism and emphasizes the good faith behind the effort.

Common error

Don't use "best of intentions" as a blanket justification for negative results. While it acknowledges good faith, it doesn't absolve responsibility or negate the need for improvement. Always consider the impact of actions, regardless of intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best of intentions" functions as a qualifier, often used to temper criticism or provide context by highlighting the positive motives behind an action, even if the result was unfavorable. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best of intentions" is a common idiom used to acknowledge that someone's actions, though perhaps misguided or unsuccessful, stemmed from positive motives. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While it can soften criticism and highlight good faith, it's crucial not to use it as a blanket excuse for poor outcomes. Remember that even with the "best of intentions", actions have consequences, and accountability remains important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with good intentions

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

with well-meaning aims

Highlights the positive intent behind the goals.

with the noblest motives

Emphasizes the high moral quality of the motivations.

driven by good motives

Focuses on the motivational aspect as the driving force.

with the purest motives

Underscores the sincerity and lack of ulterior motives.

with the finest aims

Focuses on the quality and aspirational nature of the goals.

acting in good faith

Implies honesty and sincerity in one's actions.

with the greatest goodwill

Highlights the positive and benevolent nature of the intent.

with the most honorable purposes

Emphasizes the ethical and respectable nature of the objectives.

with a heart of gold

Highlights the benevolent and compassionate nature.

FAQs

What does "best of intentions" mean?

The phrase "best of intentions" refers to having good motives or aims when taking an action, even if the outcome isn't ideal or as planned.

How can I use "best of intentions" in a sentence?

You can use "best of intentions" to acknowledge that someone had good motives, such as: "Although the project failed, I know they acted with the "best of intentions"."

What are some similar phrases to "best of intentions"?

Alternatives to "best of intentions" include phrases like "good intentions", "noblest motives", or "with goodwill". Each option offers a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "best of intentions"?

While generally acceptable, using "best of intentions" might not always be suitable if the negative consequences are severe or if there's a clear disregard for potential harm. In such cases, focusing solely on intentions may seem dismissive.