have many intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have many intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing multiple goals, plans, or purposes that someone has in mind. Example: "In her speech, she expressed that she have many intentions for the future of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One prima facie problem for intention-theorists is that speakers typically have many intentions when they use demonstratives, and these intentions may conflict (Bach 1992a, 1992b; Perry 1997, 2001 p. 60, 2009; King 2013).

SEP

We have many intentions for "self improvement," some successes and lots of frustrating repetitions of bad patterns.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I had many teaching intentions going into this unit.

Huffington Post

This is likely due to the fact that Senegalese midwives do not have many opportunities to act on their intention to leave, which is related to the rigidity of the labour market for midwives in the country.

Human Resources for Health

It was apparent that health care professionals described engaging in discharge planning and transitional care processes with good intentions, despite having many challenges.

BMC Health Services Research

Still, Walmart's reputation, stemming from the largest gender discrimination suit ever filed in the U.S., has many skeptics asking what the real intentions of such a venture could be.

Huffington Post

He admitted he was "ashamed" and had many regrets as he announced his intention to stand down as the MP for Newark after facing a six month ban from parliament.

Independent

He echoed that the TM is not a novel concept and has many different definitions with the same intention.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Among trials that reported such an approach, however, only 39% analysed all participants as they were initially randomised, and the term "intention to treat" had many different interpretations.

British Medical Journal

Many have good intentions even as they fight for, and win, a frightening amount of power.

Vice

I think it is both and while I know many have positive intentions, this will not solve the enormous challenge we face (we all know where the road paved with positive intentions leads).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have many intentions", ensure the context clarifies whether these intentions are complementary or conflicting. Providing specific examples of the intentions can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have many intentions" as a substitute for concrete action or planning. Emphasize specific steps or strategies rather than relying solely on the existence of good intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have many intentions" typically functions as a verbal phrase, often part of a larger clause describing an individual's or group's multifaceted plans or purposes. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase indicates a state of mind or a set of objectives that one aims to pursue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have many intentions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the possession of multiple plans or goals. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is employed in a variety of contexts, including science, news, and business, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to provide specific examples of these intentions. Alternative phrases such as "harbor multiple intentions" or "possess numerous intentions" can be used for a more formal tone. While the phrase is generally well-regarded, avoid using it as a substitute for concrete action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harbor multiple intentions

Replaces "have" with "harbor", suggesting a more deliberate and internal consideration of intentions.

possess numerous intentions

Substitutes "have" with "possess" and "many" with "numerous", indicating a formal ownership of intentions.

hold several intentions

Uses "hold" instead of "have" and "several" for "many", implying a more temporary or conditional set of intentions.

maintain diverse intentions

Replaces "have" with "maintain" and "many" with "diverse", emphasizing the variety and ongoing nature of intentions.

carry various intentions

Substitutes "have" with "carry" and "many" with "various", suggesting intentions as burdens or responsibilities.

entertain multiple goals

Replaces "intentions" with "goals", focusing on desired outcomes rather than specific plans.

cherish numerous aims

Substitutes both "have" and "intentions" with words that suggest a deep personal connection to those intentions.

nurture a variety of objectives

Suggests intentions being carefully developed and pursued over time.

pursue a multitude of plans

Focuses on the actions taken to realize intentions, rather than the intentions themselves.

juggle several purposes

Emphasizes the complexity and challenge of managing multiple intentions simultaneously.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have many intentions" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "harbor multiple intentions" or "possess numerous intentions". These alternatives provide a more sophisticated and deliberate nuance.

What's a less formal way to say "have many intentions"?

In informal contexts, you could say "have a lot of plans" or "have several ideas". These options are more casual and conversational.

Is it better to say "have many intentions" or "have good intentions"?

The choice depends on the context. "Have many intentions" simply indicates multiple plans or goals. "Have good intentions" implies that the plans are morally or ethically sound.

How does "have many intentions" differ from "have many goals"?

"Have many intentions" suggests a range of specific plans or strategies, while "have many goals" refers to desired end results. Intentions are often the steps taken to achieve those goals.