he is intent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is intent on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's strong focus or determination towards a specific goal or task. Example: "He is intent on finishing the project by the deadline, no matter the obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He is intent on avoiding another one.

The New York Times - Sports

But he is intent on converting Andre.

The New York Times

He is intent on destroying imperialism.

The Guardian

In almost every scene, he is intent on his art.

The Guardian - Arts

But he is intent on making former Tories comfortable with New Labour.

The Economist

The left fear that he is intent on dismantling EU social and environmental legislation.

The Economist

It is a message he is intent on spreading across campus with evangelical verve.

The New York Times

The same cannot be said for the Africans he is intent on following.

The New York Times

He is intent on raising $10 million to save eight firehouses from the budget chopping block.

The New York Times

"He is intent on returning and playing," Tellem said yesterday in a brief telephone interview.

The New York Times

Now 31, he is intent on creating "a voice for our generation," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is intent on" when you want to emphasize someone's strong focus and determination towards achieving a specific goal. Ensure the context supports this level of commitment.

Common error

While "he is intent on" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "he's focused on" or "he's set on" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is intent on" functions as a predicative expression, indicating the subject's state of mind or resolve towards a particular action or goal. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to convey a strong sense of purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is intent on" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey strong determination or focus, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for formal writing. While interchangeable with alternatives like "he is determined to" or "he is focused on", it's important to consider the level of formality appropriate for the given situation. Always ensure proper grammatical construction by following "intent on" with a noun or gerund. Overall, mastering this phrase allows for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is determined to

Emphasizes resolve and firmness of purpose; more direct.

he is dead set on

Emphasizes inflexibility and unwavering determination; more emphatic.

he is resolved to

Highlights a firm decision and commitment; somewhat formal.

he is set on

Indicates a fixed plan or decision; slightly less formal.

he is focused on

Highlights concentration and effort directed towards a specific goal.

he is committed to

Stresses dedication and obligation towards something.

he is single-minded about

Highlights unwavering focus and dedication to a single objective.

he is keen on

Expresses enthusiasm and eagerness; less forceful than "intent".

he has his sights set on

Implies ambition and a clear goal in mind; more figurative.

he is hell-bent on

Suggests a reckless or uncontrolled determination; carries a negative connotation.

FAQs

What does "he is intent on" mean?

The phrase "he is intent on" means that someone is firmly determined or focused on achieving something. It suggests a strong level of commitment and purpose.

What can I say instead of "he is intent on"?

You can use alternatives like "he is determined to", "he is focused on", or "he is set on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he is intent to" grammatically correct?

No, "he is intent to" is grammatically incorrect. The correct construction is "he is intent on" followed by a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing).

How does the formality of "he is intent on" compare to similar phrases?

The phrase "he is intent on" is relatively formal. Phrases like "he is focused on" or "he is set on" are generally less formal and may be more suitable for casual contexts.