driven by good intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven by good intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions or decisions that are motivated by a desire to do good, even if the outcomes may not be positive. Example: "Although the project faced numerous challenges, it was ultimately driven by good intentions to improve community welfare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The collective drift towards more regulation in the western liberal democratic model is driven by good intentions and by a mad dream of perfect fairness in which individual discretion and individual responsibility are intrinsically subversive.

The Guardian - Books

This year, Cory Gardner, a Republican congressman and a Senate candidate from Colorado, renounced, under pressure, a personhood amendment that he had supported, calling it "a bad idea driven by good intentions".

The New Yorker

I'd say that whatever actions we've prioritized in our society, whether that's getting wealthy, being beautiful, having status or being successful are fundamentally driven by good intentions.

Forbes

"This was a bad idea driven by good intentions," he told the paper.

Huffington Post

Denver Post, March 21: "This was a bad idea driven by good intentions," he told The Denver Post.

Huffington Post

Too often programming is driven by good intentions that are not backed by solid evidence.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's too early to tell whether the new program will increase the number of foster parents or boost the level of care, but I fear the financial incentive will draw families driven less by good intentions than by hard need.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others are driven by good business sense.

The New York Times

"It's driven by good government.

The New York Times

They're united by good intentions.

The New York Times - Arts

This wonderful balance was undone by good intentions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "driven by good intentions", ensure that the context clarifies what those intentions are. This provides a clearer understanding and avoids ambiguity about the underlying motivation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "driven by good intentions" automatically guarantees a positive outcome. Always consider and acknowledge potential negative consequences, even if the initial motivation was positive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven by good intentions" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the underlying motivation behind an action, decision, or policy, as seen in Ludwig's examples. It often implies a desire to achieve a positive outcome, even if the actual result is not always successful.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "driven by good intentions" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes actions or decisions motivated by a desire to do good, even if the results are not always positive. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in English. While the phrase appears across various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, formal business documents, and academic publications. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider and acknowledge potential unintended negative consequences. Alternatives such as "motivated by noble intentions" or "inspired by virtuous motives" can provide subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by noble intentions

Focuses specifically on the high moral quality of the intentions.

led by a desire to do good

Simple and direct rephrasing, focusing on the basic intention to create positive outcomes.

inspired by virtuous motives

Emphasizes the moral excellence and influence behind the driving force.

prompted by benevolent aims

Highlights the charitable and well-meaning nature of the goals.

fueled by altruistic purposes

Stresses the selfless concern for others that drives the actions.

motivated by a wish to help

Focuses on the aspect of providing assistance as the primary driver.

guided by honorable principles

Focuses on the ethical standards that direct the actions.

underpinned by well-meaning efforts

Highlights the positive intentions that support the endeavor, but suggests a focus on effort rather than pure intention.

operating with the best of intentions

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the operational aspect and possibility of failure despite the good intentions.

actuated by righteous goals

Emphasizes the morally justifiable nature of the objectives.

FAQs

How can I use "driven by good intentions" in a sentence?

You can use "driven by good intentions" to describe actions or policies that are motivated by a desire to do good, even if the results are not always positive. For example: "The policy, though flawed, was "driven by good intentions" to improve public health."

What are some alternatives to "driven by good intentions"?

Alternatives include "motivated by noble intentions", "inspired by virtuous motives", or "prompted by benevolent aims", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to be "driven by good intentions"?

Not necessarily. While the motivation is positive, actions "driven by good intentions" can still lead to negative outcomes if not carefully planned or executed. It is important to consider potential consequences.

What's the difference between "driven by good intentions" and "well-intentioned"?

"Driven by good intentions" emphasizes the active force of the intentions behind an action or decision. "Well-intentioned" is more of a general descriptor, indicating that someone has positive motives, without necessarily implying action. A well-intentioned plan can be ill-fated for example.