intending to

USAGE SUMMARY

"intending to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's plans or intentions. For example, "He was intending to visit his grandmother this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The average age of those intending to breastfeed was 26.3 compared to 24.9 for those not intending to breastfeed.

BMC Public Health

"I was not intending to be offensive.

Independent

... They're intending to come here.

The Washington Post

I'm not actually intending to stand myself.

The Guardian

I went intending to sample both.

The New York Times - Magazine

He wrote dictionaries intending to standardize it.

The New York Times

Are you intending to send a message?

The Washington Post

They may not be intending to discriminate.

The Guardian

How sincere is he intending to be?

The Guardian - Books

That's where we're intending to go.

The New York Times

Without intending to, he falls asleep.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in formal writing, consider the more emphatic 'with the intention of' for added weight and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "intending to" in very formal contexts where a more precise or sophisticated phrase like "with the aim of" or "purposing to" might be more appropriate. "Intending to" is suitable for most situations, but consider your audience and the desired tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intending to" is to act as a purpose connector, linking an action with its intended outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe someone's plans or intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intending to" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as a purpose connector, indicating a planned action or intention. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. With a neutral register, it fits comfortably in both formal and informal writing, though slightly more formal alternatives may be considered for specific situations. Ludwig's analysis reveals that while "intending to" is very common, writers should be mindful of the level of formality required and avoid vagueness in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

planning to

Focuses on the planning aspect, suggesting a more concrete preparation.

aiming to

Emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the intention.

meaning to

Suggests a less formal intention, often implying a sense of obligation.

purposing to

More formal and less common, highlighting a deliberate decision.

proposing to

Implies suggesting or putting forward a plan for consideration.

with the intention of

More verbose and formal, emphasizing the specific intention behind an action.

expecting to

Focuses on anticipated outcomes or future events.

looking to

Suggests exploring possibilities or seeking opportunities.

aspiring to

Highlights ambition and a strong desire to achieve something.

desiring to

Expresses a wish or longing to do something.

FAQs

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

Use "intending to" to express a plan or purpose. For example, "She is intending to apply for the scholarship" or "They were intending to visit the museum".

What are some alternatives to "intending to"?

Alternatives include "planning to", "aiming to", or "meaning to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intending to" formal or informal?

"Intending to" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both everyday conversation and most formal writing. However, very formal contexts might benefit from phrases like "with the intention of".

What's the difference between "intending to" and "going to"?

"Intending to" implies a deliberate plan or purpose, whereas "going to" can simply indicate a future action or event, without necessarily implying strong intention. For example, "I am intending to study abroad" suggests a firm plan, while "I am going to study abroad" simply states a future action.