ill intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

"ill intentions" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase to refer to an intention that is malicious or harmful. For example, "The rumors about his behavior suggest that he has ill intentions towards his coworkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

I never had any ill intentions".

The New York Times

Fair enough; you doubtless had no ill intentions.

The Guardian

But to reduce everything to the ill intentions of the US, NATO or the EU is an enormous mistake".

The Guardian

The popular narrative, she says, is that "he's been snatched out of the limelight by someone, by his mother, with ill intentions to squash his creativity".

The New Yorker

Mr. Pepe had heard about the shootings, but speculated that anyone coming into the shop with ill intentions might find his or her plans quickly thwarted.

The New York Times

Actually, Snowden appears to be an idealistic young man who had no ill intentions toward his country but who gradually became disillusioned with some of its actions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It became clear for us that the detained British military men had no ill intention," Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said.

The New York Times

"Does this show good or ill intention?" Iranian oil sales have been reduced by half as a result of the international pressure on Iran, and restrictions on financial transactions and transportation have created many difficulties for Iran's leaders.

The New York Times

The big data era enables huge amounts of tracking and state surveillance that simply wasn't possible before, even without the slightest ill intention on the part of those collecting the data.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We hope that the other two will soon be able to prove and provide evidence to the court that they had no ill intention in crossing the border, so that their release can also be secured," Mr. Ahmadinejad told The A.P. on Sept. 19.

The New York Times

Particularly, distrust due to malevolence indicates a concern that the trustee will engage in a harmful behavior with ill intention (Pavlou & Dimoka 2006).

Fashion and Textiles

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ill intentions", ensure the context clearly establishes the negative or harmful nature of the intent. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details about the potential consequences of those intentions.

Common error

Be careful not to assume "ill intentions" without sufficient evidence. Clearly distinguish between unintended negative consequences and deliberate malicious planning. Using the phrase loosely can lead to defamation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill intentions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a state of mind characterized by malicious or harmful aims. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows the phrase used to describe the motives behind actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

26%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ill intentions" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe malicious or harmful motives. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. The usage analysis reveals that it serves to express concern or suspicion about potential harm or wrongdoing. When writing, it's crucial to provide context and avoid assuming "ill intentions" without sufficient evidence. Consider synonyms such as "malicious intent" or "evil motives" to fine-tune your message. Overall, understanding the proper application and context of "ill intentions" is essential for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious intent

Replaces "ill" with "malicious" to emphasize the malevolent nature of the intent.

evil motives

Substitutes "intentions" with "motives" and "ill" with "evil" for a stronger negative connotation.

harmful purposes

Focuses on the detrimental aims rather than the specific intent, using "harmful" to describe the purpose.

nefarious designs

Employs more formal and literary language, replacing "intentions" with "designs" and "ill" with "nefarious".

sinister plans

Uses "sinister" to convey a sense of foreboding and replaces "intentions" with "plans".

ulterior motives

Implies hidden or concealed intentions, often with a deceptive aspect.

destructive aims

Highlights the damaging nature of the goals, substituting "intentions" with "aims" and "ill" with "destructive".

hostile designs

Indicates aggressive or antagonistic intentions, using "hostile" to modify "designs".

bad faith

Indicates dishonesty or deception in one's dealings or intentions.

dishonorable motives

Suggests a lack of integrity or ethics in the underlying reasons for action.

FAQs

What does "ill intentions" mean?

The phrase "ill intentions" refers to having plans or motives that are harmful, malicious, or unethical. It implies a desire to cause damage or distress.

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

You might say, "The investigation revealed that the company's executives had "malicious intent" in their accounting practices" or "The rumors suggested he had "ulterior motives" when offering assistance."

What are some synonyms for "ill intentions"?

Alternatives include "malicious intent", "evil motives", "harmful purposes", "sinister plans" or "ulterior motives", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "ill intentions"?

The phrase "ill intentions" should be used carefully and only when there is sufficient evidence or reason to believe that someone's plans are genuinely harmful or malicious. Avoid using it casually or without justification, as it can be accusatory and damaging.