did he intend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did he intend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning someone's purpose or motivation behind an action or statement. Example: "I wonder if he intended to offend anyone with his comments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

What did he intend?

The New York Times - Style

Did he intend to convey a specific feeling?

The New York Times

Did he intend it to be a work of art?

The Guardian - Arts

Did he intend to bomb Israel's Dimona nuclear reactor before Israel could acquire a bomb?

The Economist

By no means did he intend to part company with socialism.

The New Yorker

Osborne didn't set the heather alight, but nor did he intend to.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Does he intend to have more?

Independent

Does he intend to go to college?

The New Yorker

Does he intend to get there?

The New York Times

So what does he intend to do with it?

The Economist

Nor does he intend to rent his new gear out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did he intend" to inquire about someone's purpose or motivation, especially when there's uncertainty or ambiguity surrounding their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "did he intend" when a stronger term like "plan" or "scheme" is more appropriate, especially if there's evidence of a detailed, pre-arranged course of action. "Intend" implies a general aim, not necessarily a fully developed strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did he intend" functions primarily as an interrogative clause, used to inquire about the purpose or intention behind a subject's actions or statements. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is commonly used in news and media to explore motivations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did he intend" serves as a straightforward interrogative tool for exploring motivations. Predominantly found in news and media, according to Ludwig, it helps uncover the underlying reasons behind actions or statements. While grammatically correct, the choice between "did he intend" and alternatives like "was it his intention" depends on the desired level of formality. Remember to clearly define "he" and the intended action within your context. Although Ludwig confirms its correctness, being mindful of its proper application and nuances can greatly enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was it his intention

Focuses on the intention itself rather than the act of intending, creating a slightly more formal tone.

what were his intentions

Asks directly about the person's intentions, placing emphasis on their internal state.

what was his purpose

Emphasizes the underlying reason or goal behind the action, shifting the focus from intention to motivation.

what did he mean to do

Highlights the intended action, rather than the state of intending. It focuses on the planned action.

did he plan to

Implies a more concrete plan or arrangement, suggesting a deliberate course of action.

did he aim to

Emphasizes the goal or objective that someone was trying to achieve, suggesting a directed effort.

did he expect to

Focuses on anticipation of an outcome, rather than the plan. Focuses on the expected result.

did he foresee

Concentrates on whether someone anticipated a particular outcome or consequence. Shifts focus to prediction.

was he going to

Explores the future action, and is less formal than "did he intend".

did he propose to

Suggests a formal proposal or plan of action, which is more specific than simply intending.

FAQs

How can I use "did he intend" in a sentence?

You can use "did he intend" to ask about someone's purpose or motivation behind an action, as in "Did he intend to cause harm with his words?"

What are some alternatives to "did he intend"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was it his intention", "what was his purpose", or "what did he mean to do".

Is "did he intend" formal or informal?

"Did he intend" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For a slightly more formal tone, you might consider "was it his intention".

What's the difference between "did he intend" and "did he plan"?

"Did he intend" focuses on the person's aim or objective, while "did he plan to" suggests a more concrete and structured arrangement. "Intend" implies a general aim, whereas "plan" suggests a developed strategy.