hidden intention

USAGE SUMMARY

"hidden intention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that someone has not openly stated but that you believe is still present. For example, "He made a generous offer, but I sense a hidden intention behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Eno's first rule was "Honour thy error as a hidden intention".

The New Yorker

The professionals were dissatisfied with his handling of affairs, and also believed there was a hidden intention for him to play another pillar of the council, Leslie Driffield, for the world professional title.

The Guardian

And when I say you should give, I mean freely, without the hidden intention to get anything in return.

Science Magazine

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The hidden intention is the thing.

Los Angeles Times

"Instead of adopting constructive decisions to counter the threats the expansion of the Islamic State entails, the U.S. president has expressed a poorly hidden intention to send U.S. warplanes to bomb Bashar Assad's supporters," Malashenko said.

Los Angeles Times

"[I]n the few remarks made by Mac Da Thó to his visitors, all his previous train of thought, all his cunning and address, are suggested in a few brief words intended by him to hide his true designs from his guests, while suggesting to ourselves his hidden intention".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And it's a wager, because people have hidden layers, hidden intentions.

The New York Times

But as soon as she arrived, Ms. Ríos said, her employers revealed hidden intentions.

The New York Times

Tasks that request subjects to understand the beliefs or false beliefs of other persons to detect hidden intentions, indirect meaning, or inappropriate social communication are assumed to account for cognitive ToM or mental state reasoning.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

He also was inclined to take people's statements at face value and refused to believe anyone had hidden intentions, former drivers said.

Los Angeles Times

"Two years of negotiations and hiding intentions has made Iran frustrated and it seems that the three European countries have humiliated Iranian people," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hidden intention" when you want to express that someone's true motive is not openly stated or easily discernible. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Common error

Be cautious not to automatically associate "hidden intention" with negativity. While it often implies a less-than-altruistic motive, it doesn't always indicate maliciousness. The intention might simply be private or strategic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden intention" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, describing an underlying or concealed motive. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hidden intention" is a noun phrase used to describe a concealed or underlying motive. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki. It's important to remember that while "hidden intention" often suggests a less-than-altruistic motive, it doesn't always imply maliciousness. Consider context and potential for misinterpretation when choosing to use it. You can also refer to alternative phrases such as "ulterior motive" or "underlying purpose" to convey the same meaning, but with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ulterior motive

Suggests a concealed reason behind someone's actions, often self-serving.

covert agenda

Implies a secret plan or program that is not openly declared.

underlying purpose

Focuses on the fundamental reason or aim that may not be immediately apparent.

secret design

Emphasizes a carefully concealed plan or scheme.

veiled motive

Suggests a motive that is disguised or partially concealed.

unspoken agenda

Highlights an agenda that is understood but never explicitly stated.

implicit goal

Refers to a goal that is suggested or implied but not directly expressed.

tacit objective

Indicates an objective that is understood or implied without being openly expressed.

concealed aim

Stresses the act of keeping the aim or objective hidden.

unavowed purpose

Emphasizes that the purpose is not openly admitted or declared.

FAQs

How can I identify a "hidden intention"?

Look for inconsistencies in behavior, deviations from stated goals, or situations where the stated reason doesn't fully explain the actions taken. Trust your intuition, but always seek corroborating evidence.

What's the difference between "ulterior motive" and "hidden intention"?

While similar, "hidden intention" is a broader term. "Ulterior motive" typically implies a selfish or dishonest reason, whereas "hidden intention" simply means the true motive is not openly expressed and might not necessarily be negative.

Is it always negative to have a "hidden intention"?

Not necessarily. In negotiations or strategic planning, for example, having a "hidden intention" might be a way to protect your position or gain an advantage without being deceitful. It depends on the specific context and the ethical considerations involved.

What are some other phrases I can use instead of "hidden intention"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "underlying purpose", "covert agenda", or "implicit goal" to convey a similar meaning without using the exact same words.