i was intent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was intent on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong determination or focus on something. Example: "Despite the distractions, I was intent on finishing my essay before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The truth is, I was intent on a barn.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But I was intent on doing something else".

The New York Times - Sports

I was intent on staying focused and poised".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was intent on talking to Tania or Alicia or any combination," he wrote.

The New York Times

I was intent on what I was doing and oblivious to everything else.

The New Yorker

He showed no interest in striking up a long conversation, but I was intent on it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"I am intent on talking.

The New York Times - Health

I'm intent on reading fiction while I'm gone.

The Economist

I am intent on seeing what we can do".

The New York Times - Health

Next season I am intent on making sure that dog is housebroken".

The New York Times

That's why I'm intent on bringing my own shit into the movie house".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was intent on" to clearly express a strong focus or determination towards a specific goal or action. For example, "I was intent on finishing the project despite the challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "intend" in place of "intent on". "Intend" suggests a plan or purpose, while "intent on" emphasizes a strong determination. For example, instead of "I intended on finishing the project", use "I was intent on finishing the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was intent on" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a past state of mind characterized by strong determination or focus. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, this phrase often precedes a description of the action or goal the speaker was determined to achieve.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was intent on" is a common and grammatically sound way to express strong determination or focus in the past. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and appropriate for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "I was determined to" or "I was focused on" exist, "I was intent on" effectively conveys a sense of resolve. Remember to use "on" correctly after "intent" and avoid confusing it with "intend". As the numerous examples show, "I was intent on" is a reliable choice for clearly communicating your past focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was determined to

Replaces "intent on" with "determined to", emphasizing resolve.

I was resolved to

Substitutes "intent on" with "resolved to", highlighting a firm decision.

I was set on

Uses "set on" instead of "intent on", indicating a fixed purpose.

I was focused on

Replaces "intent on" with "focused on", stressing concentration.

I had my mind set on

Emphasizes the firmness of the decision.

I was keen on

Uses "keen on" instead of "intent on", indicating eagerness.

I was eager to

Replaces "intent on" with "eager to", showing enthusiasm.

I was bent on

Substitutes "intent on" with "bent on", suggesting a strong inclination.

I was driven to

Highlights the motivation behind the action.

I was hell-bent on

Adds intensity to the determination.

FAQs

What does "I was intent on" mean?

The phrase "I was intent on" means that you were firmly focused or determined to achieve something. It suggests a strong level of concentration and resolve toward a specific goal.

How can I use "I was intent on" in a sentence?

You can use "I was intent on" to describe a past action where you were highly focused. For example, "I was intent on finishing my studies despite facing personal challenges." You can replace the phrase with alternatives, such as "I was determined to" or "I was resolved to".

What are some alternatives to "I was intent on"?

Alternatives include "I was focused on", "I was set on", or "I had my mind set on", each conveying a similar sense of determination or concentration.

Is it better to say "I was intent to" or "I was intent on"?

The correct phrase is "I was intent on". "Intent" requires the preposition "on" when followed by an action or object. Saying "I was intent to" is grammatically incorrect.