intending to express

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intending to express" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has a specific intention or purpose behind their expression or statement. Example: "She was intending to express her gratitude through a heartfelt letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The BBC said Mr Marr had not been intending to express a personal opinion, and its coverage of the referendum debate had been "fair and balanced".

BBC

It is in this backdrop locating or understanding the very notion of the East not as a homogenous civilization but rather a pool of civilizations intending to express power of traditions in transitions becomes important.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

A BBC spokesman said: "Andrew himself made it clear on air that he had not been intending to express a personal opinion, or that of the BBC, but was simply putting forward an argument from President Barroso who, as European Commission president, has an integral insight within the debate.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Langston Hughes responded by calling for a more authentic expression of ethnic difference: "We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame .Issues of identity also manifested themselves in more covert ways.

The Economist

(Nixon: "I don't intend to express regrets to Mr. Khruschev").

The New Yorker

A lyric poet typically intends to express a thought or a feeling.

The New Yorker

Thanks to "Let It Be... Naked" we all know that was edited in: the band never intended to express any such emotion in that way.

The New York Times - Arts

With each book she became more obsessed with language and how when we speak we often fall short of or else exceed what we intended to express.

The New Yorker

The mood was articulated by poet Langston Hughes in 1926: "We younger Negro artists... intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame.

The Guardian - Books

So were five of their cabinet colleagues, a caravan intended to express the Tory leader's desire to forge a new "special relationship" with India.

The Economist

Her dance language was intended to express shared human emotions and experiences, rather than merely provide decorative displays of graceful movements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intending to express" when you want to clearly state that someone has a specific purpose or goal in their communication. For example, "The artist was intending to express a sense of longing through her painting."

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "intending to express" in very casual settings can sound overly formal. In informal situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "trying to say" or "meaning to show" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intending to express" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to describe the purpose or intention behind an action or statement. It modifies verbs or nouns by specifying the aim of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intending to express" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe the purpose behind communication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, though it may sound somewhat formal in casual conversation. It's frequency is rare. While found in news, science and encyclopedic content, simpler alternatives might be preferred in less formal settings to maintain a more natural tone. Consider alternatives like "aiming to convey" or "planning to communicate" to best fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming to convey

Replaces "intending" with "aiming", focusing on the act of conveying a message.

planning to communicate

Substitutes "express" with "communicate", highlighting the intention to share information.

seeking to articulate

Emphasizes the effort to clearly and effectively express oneself.

meaning to say

Focuses on the speaker's intended message or statement.

desiring to reveal

Highlights the intention to make something known or visible.

hoping to portray

Emphasizes the intention to depict or represent something in a particular way.

wanting to share

Focuses on the desire to impart information or feelings to others.

trying to get across

Highlights the effort to ensure that the message is understood.

proposing to offer

Focuses on the intention to present or suggest an idea or perspective.

setting out to declare

Emphasizes a deliberate and intentional effort to announce or proclaim something.

FAQs

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

You can use "intending to express" to describe someone's purpose in communicating something. For example, "The author was "intending to express" the character's inner turmoil through vivid imagery".

What are some alternatives to "intending to express"?

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

Is "intending to express" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "intending to express" can sound somewhat formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "trying to say" or "meaning to show" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What is the difference between "intending to express" and "attempting to express"?

"Intending to express" suggests a clear purpose or goal in communication, while "attempting to express" implies an effort to communicate, but perhaps without guaranteed success. "Attempting" highlights the struggle or challenge in conveying the message.