dark intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark intentions" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone's malevolent or sinister motives. For example, "She approached him with dark intentions, hidden behind a charming smile." Alternative expressions include "malicious motives" and "sinister plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This tempting tidbit lodges in Monty's fertile mind and begins forthwith to sow dark intentions.

The New York Times

For a variety of reasons too complicated to go into here, Ricky and Hec end up stranded out in the bush, with the cops convinced the oldster has kidnapped the kid with dark intentions.

The Guardian - Film

Proulx may have had these dark intentions (just as she may also have simply said she did on a whim, as interview-subjects sometimes do), but ultimately that might not matter.

The Guardian - Books

"The dark intentions of our enemies are to spread fear and despondency and eventually bend us to their whims.

BBC

Sir, I do not believe based that you have such dark intentions in your heart.

Huffington Post

Peter later learns that Marko is the one that killed Uncle Ben, causing Peter's own dark intentions to grow.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In searching for dark and sinister intentions, journalists have come away with pieces that don't reflect the direction of policy, but instead hang on the most bizarre comments they overheard in fringe meetings, or saw written on isolated placards.

Vice

There are also armed groups with darker intentions, like ones that sprang up in Kunduz to fight the Taliban but that soon began to prey on locals.

The New York Times

In a new Roundabout Theatre revival of "Picnic," which opens Sunday on Broadway, the 34-year-old director is honoring the darker intentions that spurred Inge to rewrite the play.

Los Angeles Times

Now, even as they head into the meeting, OPEC producers, who have been left in the dark about Saudi intentions, are split about the need for increased supplies.

The New York Times

According to people briefed on the events, Mr. Cayne, a tournament-level bridge player who is famous for keeping people in the dark about his intentions, felt that the move was critical to restoring trust in Bear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's motivation in fiction, using "dark intentions" can add a layer of intrigue and suspense. Consider revealing these intentions gradually to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "dark intentions" when simpler terms like "bad idea" or "misguided plan" would suffice. Overusing dramatic language can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark intentions" functions as a noun phrase, where "dark" modifies the noun "intentions". It describes the quality or nature of the intentions. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dark intentions" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase employed to depict malevolent or sinister motivations. As Ludwig AI has noted, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its usage is not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as wiki sources. When aiming to express the idea of hidden and harmful motivations, consider employing alternative phrases like "sinister motives" or "malicious purposes" to diversify your vocabulary. However, it's important to avoid overusing such dramatic language in simpler situations where less intense phrasing would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sinister motives

Replaces "intentions" with "motives" and "dark" with "sinister", emphasizing the underlying reason for actions.

malicious purposes

Substitutes "intentions" with "purposes" and "dark" with "malicious", highlighting the harmful goals.

evil designs

Replaces "intentions" with "designs" and "dark" with "evil", focusing on a premeditated plan.

nefarious schemes

Changes "intentions" to "schemes" and "dark" to "nefarious", suggesting a secret and wicked plan.

treacherous aims

Replaces "intentions" with "aims" and "dark" with "treacherous", indicating a deceitful goal.

malevolent objectives

Substitutes "intentions" with "objectives" and "dark" with "malevolent", emphasizing the wish to do evil.

ominous plans

Changes "intentions" to "plans" and "dark" to "ominous", suggesting a threatening or inauspicious future.

unscrupulous motives

Replaces "intentions" with "motives" and "dark" with "unscrupulous", highlighting a lack of moral principles.

duplicitous goals

Substitutes "intentions" with "goals" and "dark" with "duplicitous", suggesting deception and insincerity.

shadowy purposes

Replaces "dark" with "shadowy", suggesting purposes that are hidden or unclear.

FAQs

What does "dark intentions" mean?

The phrase "dark intentions" refers to sinister, malevolent, or harmful plans and motivations someone holds, often concealed from others.

What are some synonyms for "dark intentions"?

Alternatives to "dark intentions" include "sinister motives", "malicious purposes", or "evil designs", all suggesting negative motivations.

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

You might say, "The villain approached the hero with seemingly friendly gestures, masking his dark intentions".

What is the difference between "dark intentions" and "bad intentions"?

"Dark intentions" often implies a more serious and sinister level of malice compared to simply having "bad intentions", which might refer to less severe or harmful motivations.