intend no malice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intend no malice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that one does not mean to cause harm or offense to someone else. Example: "I may have spoken harshly, but I intend no malice; I only want what's best for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And I fully credit the claim of Redskins owner Dan Snyder and many passionate fans that they intend no malice or prejudice and that "Redskins" has a proud 80-year history they wish to maintain.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It did not come out as intended, and I intended no malice.

The Washington Post

If one was being slightly churlish one might also point out to Andrew Flintoff (who no doubt intends no malice) that maybe he should show similar etiquette.

The Guardian - Sport

But, if Cramer's admissions were an effort to tell the public that he intended no malice, he could have done so more positively.

Huffington Post

We end up with panicked clients, individuals and companies, contacting attorneys after their websites are affected by such pieces of legislation, normally people who intended no ill-will, malice or "infringing activities" per se.

Huffington Post

Not that Tarantino intends any malice toward such earnest people.

The New Yorker

But since he was always castigating himself for his bad habits, isn't it possible that his disappointed friends and later critics, without intending any malice, took his frequently expressed anguish as license to patronize what he actually achieved?

The New Yorker

Luther intended no defiance with this action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He intended no slight, he said.

The New York Times

We may not intend malice but we do cause harm.

Huffington Post

Facebook, Google, and Amazon don't intend racism or malice, but relying too heavily on data and algorithms can produce racist and malicious results.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using this phrase; it is most effective when sincerity is crucial and transparency is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "intend no malice" sarcastically or dismissively, as it can undermine the intended message of sincerity and create further distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intend no malice" functions as a declarative statement to explicitly express the absence of harmful or spiteful intent. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to reassure or clarify one's motivations, particularly when actions might be misinterpreted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intend no malice" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing the absence of harmful intent. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, this phrase serves to assure others of one's good intentions, particularly in situations where actions or words might be misinterpreted. Although "intend no malice" appears primarily in neutral and formal contexts such as news and media, as well as formal business settings, the phrase is helpful in promoting understanding and maintaining positive relationships. When using this expression, ensure sincerity to avoid undermining its purpose. Alternatives include "mean no harm" or "harbor no ill will".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mean no harm

Focuses on the lack of intention to cause harm, shifting from malice to direct harm.

Act without malice

Focuses on the behavior being free from malicious intent.

Harbor no ill will

Emphasizes the absence of negative feelings or resentment.

Have no bad intentions

Directly states the absence of negative intentions.

Bear no grudge

Highlights the lack of resentment or desire for revenge.

Have no desire to harm

Specifically addresses the absence of a wish to cause harm.

Possess no animosity

Indicates a lack of hostile feelings or bitterness.

Do not seek to injure

Emphasizes the absence of intent to cause physical or emotional harm.

Have only good intentions

Highlights the presence of positive intentions, implying the absence of malice.

Wish no evil

Expresses the absence of any desire for misfortune or harm to befall someone.

FAQs

How can I use "intend no malice" in a sentence?

You can use "intend no malice" to clarify that you do not mean to cause harm or offense. For example, "I may have been direct, but I "intend no malice"."

What does it mean to "intend no malice"?

To "intend no malice" means that you do not have any desire or intention to cause harm, pain, or suffering to someone. It signifies a lack of ill will or spite.

Which is more appropriate, "intend no malice" or "mean no harm"?

"Intend no malice" and "mean no harm" are very similar. "Intend no malice" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the lack of malicious intent, while "mean no harm" focuses on the absence of harmful consequences.

Are there situations where "intend no malice" might not be the best choice?

While generally appropriate, "intend no malice" may sound defensive in situations where you are clearly at fault. In such cases, a more direct apology might be more effective.