first intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical contexts to refer to the primary or initial healing process of a wound or injury. Example: "The surgeon was pleased to see that the incision healed by first intention, with minimal scarring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My first intention was to beat him," Hagg once said.

The New York Times - Sports

The wound healed by the first intention and in ten days the dressing was wholly removed.

Yale University

But true to that first intention, the missing Js include Jew, Jewish and Judaism.

Independent

The wound had nearly healed by first intention, and on the 5th, only a piece of sticking plaster was removed.

Yale University

The R506Q Factor V-Leiden mutation is now usually characterized using molecular biology, and this technique tends to become the first intention assay for characterization of patients.

Transfusion and Apheresis Science

"If reality had been his first intention, Degas would have worked harder to make it seem as though the jockey had actually fallen off," Ms. Clausen Pedersen said.

The New York Times - Arts

"My first intention was to reinterpret old petrol lamps, with a simple base and blown glass on top," Ms. Vautrin said.

The New York Times

Any analysis that presumes our first intention is self-preservation is fundamentally flawed as we faithfully worship God and serve our neighbours in every place".

The Guardian

Talking of The Naked Civil Servant, which Gold directed, he revealed that the producers' first intention was to cast Danny La Rue as Quentin Crisp.

The Guardian

In this work, granulation process switch was investigated at pilot scale on a first intention excipient formulation and with two drug substances chosen as model drugs on the basis of their different water solubility.

Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

My first intention was to do a foreign languages degree, but that meant a year abroad and I couldn't just up and leave; by then, the kids were in school.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical contexts, use "first intention" to specifically describe wound healing where edges are closely approximated. For broader initial plans or purposes, consider alternatives like "initial intention" or "primary goal".

Common error

Avoid using "first intention" in general contexts where "initial plan" or "original purpose" would be more appropriate. "First intention" is most precise when referring to a specific type of healing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first intention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often adjectivally modified by "first", primarily used in medical and planning contexts. This is supported by Ludwig examples related to treatment plans and medical procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first intention" is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, most prominently in medical and planning contexts. It typically describes an initial approach, goal, or treatment strategy. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in scientific, news, and academic publications. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the specific context when using "first intention", ensuring alignment with its intended meaning. In simpler terms, while the phrase is correct and acceptable, its use must be in accordance with the type of context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial intention

Focuses on the very beginning of a plan or purpose.

primary goal

Emphasizes the main objective or aim.

original plan

Highlights the initial scheme or strategy.

intended purpose

Stresses the aim or objective that was initially envisioned.

first objective

Highlights the initial target or aim.

preliminary design

Implies an early-stage plan or blueprint.

starting point

Focuses on the initial phase or beginning.

basic strategy

Refers to the fundamental approach or plan.

initial approach

Emphasizes the first method or way of dealing with something.

original concept

Focuses on the initial idea or notion.

FAQs

How is "first intention" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "first intention" refers to a type of wound healing where the wound edges are brought together and heal with minimal tissue loss and scarring. This is also known as primary closure.

What's the difference between "first intention" and "initial plan"?

"First intention" typically relates to medical healing processes, while "initial plan" refers to the original strategy or scheme for a project or goal.

When should I use "primary goal" instead of "first intention"?

Use "primary goal" when discussing aims or objectives, especially in non-medical situations. "First intention" is reserved for contexts like wound healing.

Are there alternatives to "first intention" that I can use in a business context?

In a business context, you might consider using phrases such as "original strategy", "initial approach", or "intended purpose" to convey a similar meaning without the medical connotation.