intend to be

USAGE SUMMARY

'intend to be' is a valid expression in written English.
It is used to describe an ambition or plan for the future. For example, "I intend to be the best doctor I can be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I intend to be among them.

The New York Times

I intend to be here.

The New York Times - Sports

I intend to be different.

The Guardian - Business

I intend to be mayor.

The New York Times

She didn't intend to be an artist.

The New Yorker

"It doesn't intend to be a dictionary.

The New York Times - Arts

"We intend to be an opposition.

The Guardian

"I intend to be the perfect father.

The Guardian - Film

They intend to be around through Christmas.

The New York Times

I intend to be like that".

The New Yorker

The Nets intend to be creative.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intend to be" when expressing a clear and deliberate plan for the future. It indicates a firm commitment and a determined course of action.

Common error

Avoid using "intend to be" when describing aspirations that lack a concrete plan or realistic possibility. Ensure your intention is backed by actionable steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intend to be" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a future action or state. It typically follows a subject and auxiliary verb, indicating a planned or purposed course of action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intend to be" is a versatile and common expression used to articulate future plans or aspirations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its purpose is to clearly state one's intentions, making it suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. When writing, remember that using "intend to be" implies a deliberate plan backed by action, differentiating it from mere wishes. While alternatives like "plan to be" or "aim to be" exist, "intend to be" conveys a firm commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan to be

This alternative emphasizes the planning aspect, suggesting a more concrete arrangement than a simple intention.

aim to be

Focuses on aspiration or goal-setting; it implies a direction or objective.

expect to be

Implies a higher degree of certainty or anticipation based on current conditions.

anticipate being

This phrase suggests a proactive expectation, looking forward to a future state with some level of preparation.

hope to be

Conveys a desire or wish for a future state, which might not necessarily be guaranteed.

desire to be

Indicates a strong feeling of wanting to be in a certain state, emphasizing personal longing.

aspire to be

Implies ambition and striving towards a higher goal or status.

propose to be

Suggests a formal declaration or proposition of intent, suitable for more structured contexts.

resolve to be

Emphasizes determination and a firm decision to achieve a particular state or condition.

mean to be

Suggests an inherent purpose or design, often implying a natural or predetermined outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "intend to be" to express a firm plan or purpose. For example, "I "intend to be" a doctor" shows a clear future goal.

What are some alternatives to "intend to be"?

Alternatives include "plan to be", "aim to be", or "expect to be". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "intend to be" and "want to be"?

"Intend to be" implies a more deliberate plan and commitment, while "want to be" simply expresses a desire. Intention suggests action, while wanting is more passive.

When is it appropriate to use "intend to be" in formal writing?

Use "intend to be" in formal writing when you need to convey a clear, purposeful plan or decision. For example, "The company "intends to be" a leader in sustainable practices".