intend to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intend to kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing a plan or desire to cause death or harm to another person. Example: "The authorities are investigating the suspect's statements, as he clearly expressed his intent to kill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They intend to kill us.

The Guardian

"I said: 'I intend to kill you.

The New York Times

"I don't intend to kill him.

The New York Times

He said he did not intend to kill anyone.

The New York Times

He didn't, he says "intend to kill anyone".

Independent

The bus companies did not intend to kill any Israelis".

The New York Times - Magazine

Journalist: Do you intend to kill again in the name of Allah.

Independent

They intend to kill and maim; we will bring them to justice.

The New Yorker

All soldiers must "positively identify" a person whom they intend to kill as a legitimate combatant.

The New Yorker

I didn't intend to shoot at someone.… I didn't shoot or intend to kill anyone"?

The New Yorker

Kubaisi heard back that the hostage-takers did not yet intend to kill her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, verify that the evidence or source material genuinely supports the claim that someone "intend to kill". Avoid speculative accusations.

Common error

Avoid using "intend to kill" when the context only suggests a possibility of harm, not a definite plan or desire. Overstating the intention can lead to misrepresentation and legal issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intend to kill" functions primarily as a verbal phrase expressing a planned or purposed action, specifically the act of causing death. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intend to kill" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a deliberate plan or desire to cause someone's death. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. It's crucial to ensure the context warrants such a direct statement. Alternative expressions, like "plan to kill" or "mean to kill", can be used to convey similar ideas with slight nuances. When writing, accurately represent the subject's state of mind to prevent legal misinterpretations. In summary, "intend to kill" serves as a potent indicator of intent, demanding cautious and precise application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan to kill

Focuses on the planning aspect of causing death.

mean to kill

Emphasizes the intention or purpose behind the act of killing.

aim to kill

Highlights the goal or objective of causing death.

want to kill

Expresses a desire or wish to cause death.

intend to murder

Specifically uses the term "murder", indicating an unlawful killing.

expect to kill

Indicates anticipation or expectation of causing death.

are planning to kill

Suggests ongoing planning or preparation for a killing.

intend to assassinate

Implies a politically motivated or high-profile killing.

are to kill

Highlights a planned action with an instruction or obligation to kill.

intend to destroy

Expresses the broader intention of destroying, which can include killing.

FAQs

How is "intend to kill" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "intend to kill" signifies malice aforethought, a crucial element in proving murder. It indicates the perpetrator had a clear plan or desire to cause death, distinguishing it from manslaughter or accidental killings.

What are some less direct ways to express the idea of "intend to kill"?

Alternatives include phrases like "plan to harm", "aim to incapacitate", or "mean to disable" depending on the context and desired level of emphasis.

What verbs can replace "intend" in the phrase "intend to kill"?

You can use verbs like "plan", "aim", "mean", or "desire" to replace "intend", creating phrases such as "plan to kill", "aim to kill", "mean to kill", or "desire to kill". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "intend to kill" and "intended to kill"?

"Intend to kill" expresses a present or future intention, while "intended to kill" refers to a past intention. For example, "They intend to kill us" suggests a current threat, whereas "They intended to kill him" indicates a past plot.