earnest intention

USAGE SUMMARY

"earnest intention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sincere desire or goal. For example, "The student approached their studies with an earnest intention to learn and be successful in their academic career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The scene suggested a messy utopia, full of earnest intention but free of a targeted objective.

The New York Times - Arts

For all his earnest intention, Lozano-Hemmer recognized "Voice Tunnel" as an opportunity to allow people to enjoy an unusual space for a finite period of time.

The New Yorker

So in 1882, Sidgwick and his friends formed the Society for Psychical Research with the earnest intention of investigating supernatural claims.

The New York Times - Books

A drummer of convulsive instinct but earnest intention, Mr. Black has released five albums with AlasNoAxis, a band as informed by noise-rock and hazy atmospherics as by audacious improvised music.

The New York Times - Arts

The young guitarist and singer Dan Auerbach and the drummer Patrick Carney, from Akron, Ohio, take in their sources -- north Mississippi blues, early Chicago electric blues, 60's garage rock -- and translate them back in a loop of earnest intention.

The New York Times - Arts

All this apparent incoherence - I'm going, I went, I didn't go, etc - corresponded to the necessity that they should think us to be outside Bolivia, for a revolt was expected at any moment and we had the earnest intention to stay and see it at close range.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Both sides have pull, but despite the visual splendor and obvious earnest intentions of "The Force Awakens," my own prospects for joy in it seem mostly doomed.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hodge, a bassist with roots in gospel, jazz and R&B, comes bearing earnest intentions and a glow of transparent optimism.

The New York Times - Arts

Dome construction did not proceed rapidly after Meigs suspended operations, but it did proceed, and it was vital in establishing the earnest intentions of Walter and the contractors.

The New York Times

Common, using a disc jockey instead of the band he recently brought to Central Park Summerstage, switched back and forth between earnest intentions and swaggering boasts.

The New York Times - Arts

As Buzz Lightyear, a space-age superhero who can seemingly fly, Mr. Jobs is the perfect foil to Mr. Iger, whose smoothly coiffed hair and earnest intentions bring to mind the amiable cowboy Woody.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnest intention" when you want to convey a sense of deep sincerity and commitment to a particular goal or action. It is suitable for formal writing and speech where you need to emphasize the genuine nature of the intent.

Common error

Avoid using "earnest intention" to suggest that good intentions alone are sufficient for success. While sincerity is valuable, it must be paired with competence, planning, and realistic assessment of potential obstacles to achieve the desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnest intention" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "earnest" modifies the noun "intention". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage, emphasizing its role in expressing a sincere and committed purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earnest intention" is a valid and useful phrase for expressing deep sincerity and commitment. According to Ludwig AI, this adjective-noun combination is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonymous alternatives like "sincere purpose" and "genuine intent" exist, "earnest intention" carries a unique emphasis on the profound nature of the commitment. Remember to pair it with realistic planning to avoid the pitfall of relying solely on good intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere purpose

Replaces "earnest intention" with synonyms, maintaining a formal tone but altering the emphasis.

genuine intent

Substitutes "earnest" with "genuine", highlighting authenticity but softening the emotional intensity.

heartfelt desire

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the intention, making it more personal and expressive.

determined aim

Shifts the focus to the resolve behind the intention, suggesting a strong commitment to a specific goal.

serious objective

Highlights the gravity and importance of the intention, implying a well-considered and significant goal.

bona fide goal

Uses a Latin term to emphasize the authenticity and good faith nature of the goal.

honest aspiration

Focuses on the integrity and moral uprightness of the desire, making it more virtuous.

passionate commitment

Emphasizes the fervent dedication and strong emotional investment in the intention.

profound motivation

Suggests a deeper and more meaningful underlying reason behind the intention.

real ambition

Highlights the authentic desire for achievement and success.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "earnest intention" in a sentence?

Use "earnest intention" to emphasize a sincere and committed approach to a goal. For example, "With "earnest intention", she dedicated herself to mastering the piano."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "earnest intention"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "sincere purpose", "genuine intent", or "heartfelt desire" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "very earnest intention"?

While grammatically correct, "very earnest intention" can be redundant. The word "earnest" already implies a high degree of sincerity. Consider using alternative phrasing to strengthen the expression if needed.

How does "earnest intention" differ from a simple "good intention"?

"Earnest intention" suggests a deeper level of commitment and sincerity compared to "good intention". It implies a proactive and dedicated approach towards achieving a goal, rather than a mere wish or hope.