good intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

"good intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something was intended to be beneficial or kind, even if the outcome was not as desired, for example: Even though the project was not a success, the team had good intentions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your good intentions?

The New Yorker

I had good intentions".

The New Yorker

GOOD intentions are rarely enough.

The Economist

Medvedev had some good intentions.

The New York Times

But they're my good intentions.

The New York Times

Google has good intentions.

The Guardian - Tech

Where were the good intentions?

Independent

"There were good intentions.

The Guardian

Good intentions aren't enough.

The Washington Post

Good intentions, check.

The Guardian

"We had good intentions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating proposals or plans, recognize the "good intentions" behind them while still critically assessing their feasibility and potential consequences.

Common error

Don't let "good intentions" overshadow the need for competence and effective strategies. While acknowledging positive motivations is important, always prioritize evaluating the actual impact and results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good intentions" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it often describes the underlying motives or purposes behind actions, regardless of the outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good intentions" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions motivated by positive aims. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. While acknowledging "good intentions" is important, especially when mitigating criticism or understanding past events, it's crucial to avoid letting them excuse poor execution or negative outcomes. Remember that good outcomes often outweigh mere intent. Consider using alternative phrases like "benevolent aims" or ""well-meaning efforts"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive motivations

Focuses on the constructive and optimistic reasons behind actions.

well-meaning efforts

Highlights the positive intent behind the actions taken.

benevolent aims

Focuses on the desire to do good and promote well-being.

altruistic motives

Highlights the selfless and benevolent nature of the motivations.

kindly objectives

Highlights the gentle and caring nature of the goals.

noble purposes

Emphasizes the high moral quality and worthiness of the aims.

honorable goals

Stresses the ethical and respectable nature of the objectives.

sincere aspirations

Emphasizes the genuineness and earnestness of the desires.

charitable impulses

Focuses on the compassionate and generous motivations.

principled ambitions

Emphasizes that ambitions are based on moral principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "good intentions" to describe actions or plans that were meant to be helpful or beneficial, even if they didn't turn out as expected. For example, "Despite their "well-meaning efforts", the project failed to achieve its goals."

What's a more formal way to express "good intentions"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "altruistic motives" or "benevolent aims" to convey the same idea with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it always appropriate to assume "good intentions"?

While assuming "positive motivations" can foster better relationships, it's also crucial to remain objective and critically assess the impact of actions, regardless of intent.

What's the difference between "good intentions" and good outcomes?

"Good intentions" refer to the motivations behind actions, while good outcomes refer to the actual results. It's possible to have "good intentions" that lead to negative outcomes, highlighting the importance of careful planning and execution.