intended to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intended to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express purpose or intention behind an action or statement. Example: "The new policy is intended to improve employee satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor ever intended to.

Independent

They're not intended to.

The New York Times

"They're intended to transform.

The New Yorker

I hadn't intended to.

The New Yorker

Nor had they intended to.

The New York Times - Sports

But he probably intended to.

The New Yorker

He fully intended to retire.

The New Yorker

"We intended to kill him".

The New York Times

It was never intended to.

The Economist

But he intended to return.

The New Yorker

This was intended to startle them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intended to", ensure that the purpose or intention is clear and directly related to the subject performing the action. For example, "The software update is intended to improve system security."

Common error

Avoid using "intended to" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor or agent. Instead of saying "Mistakes were intended to be made", be direct: "We intended to make mistakes" (for learning purposes).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intended to" serves as a connector indicating purpose or design. It links a subject with its intended function or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard way to express intentions across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intended to" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express purpose or planned outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various authoritative sources, including news media, scientific publications, and business communications. Its primary function is to clarify the objective behind an action or design. When using "intended to", ensure that the purpose is clear and directly related to the subject. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "designed to", "meant to", and "aimed at" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed to

Focuses on the design aspect, highlighting the planning and creation for a specific purpose.

meant to

Emphasizes the purpose or destiny of something, often carrying a sense of obligation or expectation.

aimed at

Highlights the target or goal that something is directed towards.

planned to

Focuses on the prior arrangement or preparation for a future action.

purposed to

Highlights the formal declaration of a purpose or intention.

with the aim of

Expresses the intention behind an action, emphasizing the desired outcome.

in order to

Clearly indicates the reason or objective for doing something.

so as to

Similar to "in order to" but often used in more formal or literary contexts.

with the intent of

Emphasizes the deliberate and conscious decision to achieve a particular result.

to the end that

Expresses the ultimate purpose or consequence that is intended to be achieved.

FAQs

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

Use "intended to" to express the purpose or goal of an action or design. For example, "This feature is "designed to" improve user experience" or "The new law is "aimed at" reducing pollution."

What are some alternatives to "intended to"?

Some alternatives include "meant to", "designed to", "aimed at", "planned to", or "with the aim of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "intended to" and "intending to"?

"Intended to" describes the purpose or design of something, while "intending to" expresses someone's current plan or intention. For example, "The tool is intended to simplify the process" versus "I am intending to simplify the process using this tool."

Can "intended to" be used for past intentions?

Yes, "intended to" can describe past intentions. For example, "The original plan was "intended to" include more participants, but funding limitations prevented it."