honorable intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honorable intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's good motives or aims, often in a context where those intentions are being evaluated or questioned. Example: "Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, many believe he had honorable intentions in his efforts to reform the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Competence counts, too: Honorable intentions don't matter if a person's capabilities aren't up to the task.

Harvard Business Review

Do his honorable intentions and youthful dreams count for anything at all?

The New York Times - Books

It is this failure that betrays the honorable intentions of "The Remains of Company D".

The New York Times - Books

The good guys are truly good, or, at least, they have honorable intentions and suffer remorse when they fall short.

The New Yorker

In the end Mr. Sanford's willingness to produce the play on his main stage persuades me of his honorable intentions.

The New York Times

But the Nepalese believe that only those with honorable intentions -- the pure of heart -- reach the summit, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Buried amid the sodden rhetoric and the jungle muck is an honorable intention.

The New York Times

That said, knowing that many doctors have an honorable intention to minimize a patient's anxiety, I must be assertive and solicit information from my doctor.

The New York Times - Magazine

And also of boredom, frustration and fatigue, as an honorable intention -- to explore the moral conundrums of humanitarian military intervention -- bogs down in dramatic and ideological incoherence.

The New York Times

This is a perfectly honorable intention, but the problem is that, in setting out to overturn historical stereotypes of Jewish passivity, Mr. Zwick (who co-wrote the screenplay with Clayton Frohman) ends up affirming them.

The New York Times

Also the simple and honorable intention to preserve a particular kind of story, one that's much different from even a long newspaper feature, with scenes and characters and a narrative arc.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "honorable intentions", ensure the context clearly supports the claim of moral uprightness to avoid skepticism or misinterpretation. Provide specific actions or motivations that exemplify the honorable nature of the intentions.

Common error

Don't assume the "honorable" nature of intentions is self-evident. Clearly articulate the reasoning or actions that demonstrate the positive moral basis behind the aims, particularly when dealing with sensitive or controversial topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honorable intentions" functions as a noun phrase, where "honorable" modifies the noun "intentions." It serves to describe the quality or nature of someone's purposes or aims. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes that the aims are morally upright.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "honorable intentions" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe morally upright purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various sources, including news media and formal business contexts. While generally positive, remember to provide context to clearly demonstrate the virtuous nature of the intentions. Alternatives include "noble motives" and "ethical aims". When you use it, be aware that simply stating a person acted with "honorable intentions" isn't enough; you need to provide supportive details, otherwise, it can raise skepticism. Keep in mind that even with "honorable intentions", results may vary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noble motives

Emphasizes the high moral quality driving the intentions.

upright goals

Focuses on the moral rectitude of the objectives.

ethical aims

Highlights the morally correct principles guiding the intentions.

principled objectives

Stresses that the intentions are based on strong moral principles.

virtuous aspirations

Indicates that the intentions are driven by a desire for moral excellence.

altruistic purposes

Highlights that the intentions are selfless and focused on benefiting others.

good faith efforts

Emphasizes sincerity and honesty in the attempt.

well-meaning endeavors

Highlights the positive and benevolent nature of the efforts.

sincere objectives

Emphasizes the genuineness and honesty behind the intentions.

righteous ambitions

Indicates that the intentions are morally justifiable and upright.

FAQs

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

You can use "honorable intentions" to describe someone's motives or aims, such as, "Despite the negative outcome, her actions were driven by "honorable intentions"."

What are some alternatives to "honorable intentions"?

Some alternatives include "noble motives", "upright goals", or "ethical aims", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to have "honorable intentions"?

While "honorable intentions" generally imply a positive motivation, actions based on them can still have unintended negative consequences. It's important to consider both the intent and the impact.

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

"Good intentions" generally suggest a well-meaning aim, while "honorable intentions" imply a higher moral standard and ethical consideration. Honorable intentions suggest a commitment to virtuous principles.