intend to

USAGE SUMMARY

"intend to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate an intention or goal, and can be used in past, present, and future tenses. Example: I intend to finish this project by the end of the week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't intend to.

The New York Times - Sports

We intend to win".

The New York Times - Tech

We intend to relax here.

The New York Times

Now they intend to stay.

The Economist

He did not intend to.

The New York Times

We intend to go forward".

The New York Times

"We intend to prosecute them.

The New York Times

She didn't intend to return.

The New Yorker

I intend to die here".

The New York Times

They didn't intend to remain.

The New York Times

I intend to stay dangerous".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a future plan that is highly probable, consider using "expect to" or "plan to" as alternatives.

Common error

While grammatically sound, repeatedly using "intend to" in casual conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "plan to" or "going to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intend to" functions as a marker of intention or purpose. It introduces an infinitive verb, indicating what the subject plans or desires to do. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in expressing future actions and goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intend to" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate a plan or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English across past, present, and future tenses. Its frequency is very common, primarily appearing in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While "intend to" is generally neutral to professional in tone, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives like "plan to" in casual conversations to avoid sounding overly formal. As shown by Ludwig, this comprehensive guide offers insights into its proper usage, related phrases, and common errors to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan to

Uses a more direct term for planning, suitable for most contexts.

aim to

Implies a goal-oriented approach; suggests a specific target.

expect to

Focuses on anticipation rather than active planning; assumes a likely outcome.

mean to

Can also imply intention, though sometimes suggests a lack of follow-through.

propose to

Suggests a formal plan or suggestion, often for others' consideration.

have the intention of

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing intent.

set out to

Emphasizes the initiation and effort involved in pursuing a goal.

desire to

Indicates a strong wish or longing, which may or may not translate into action.

aspire to

Implies a high ambition or goal, often something challenging to achieve.

purpose to

Highlights a deliberate and determined intention, though less commonly used.

FAQs

How can I use "intend to" in a sentence?

You can use "intend to" to express a future action or plan. For example, "I "intend to finish" this project by Friday" or "We "intend to increase" our marketing efforts next quarter".

What's the difference between "intend to" and "plan to"?

While both phrases express future actions, "intend to" suggests a firm decision, whereas "plan to" implies a more detailed strategy. "I "intend to" travel" means you've decided to travel. "I "plan to" travel" suggests you're outlining the details of your trip.

What can I say instead of "intend to"?

You can use alternatives like ""plan to"", "aim to", or "expect to" depending on the context. These phrases offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and formality.

Is it correct to say "I am intending to"?

Yes, "I am intending to" is grammatically correct, but it is less common than "I intend to". The continuous form emphasizes the ongoing nature of the intention. For example, "I am intending to apply for that job" suggests you are actively considering and preparing to apply.