intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intent' is correct and 100% usable in written English.
You can use the word 'intent' to refer to an attitude, purpose or goal. Example sentence: She had an ambitious intent to become a scientist.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When it was reported in November 2012 that Carr was keeping a diary of his time as foreign minister with the intent of publishing it – based on the accounts of numerous sources – Carr immediately issued a statement denying he was writing a book.

The Guardian

Intent on offering his condolences and meeting Abdullah's successor in person, Obama led an exceptionally high-powered delegation to Riyadh that included former secretaries of state, past presidential candidates and senior military commanders.

The Guardian

Whether or not there was antisemitic intent behind the front page, the issue is complicated even further by the question of how far the Sun's readership will actually get the references.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Junts tornem", it said, a statement of intent written across the players' "chests as they ran on to the pitch: "together, we'll be back".

The Guardian - Sport

It is now abundantly clear that those issues are being manipulated by darker forces intent on agitation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems that Abbott is intent on turning Australia into a charco-state — a nation that pursues economic riches from coal, gas and other fossil fuels no matter the social or environmental cost.

The Guardian

iPhone / iPad TouchTone (£2.29) Get your NSA on with this stylish security-themed game, where you have to decrypt suspicious messages to "help make our nation safer and stronger!" The satirical intent is clear, but this is also an engrossing puzzler.

The Guardian - Tech

Thatcher appears, looking like a possessed marionette, her bossy elocution a declaration of intent, as if she means her voice to carry, to be heard generations on.

The Guardian - Film

Puig has had meetings before, mostly about his suspect decision-making while running the bases, his missing the infield cut-off man on relay throws from the outfield, his arguing with umpires – yes, there are issues with the young man, and the Dodgers are intent on stamping them out before it gets out of control.

The Guardian - Sport

Musk has expressed his intent to develop a prototype Hyperloop, and judging by his work with SpaceX and Tesla Motors, if anyone can make it work, Musk can.

The Guardian

Douglas seemed intent on proving him right when he faced Holyfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "intent" precisely to denote the mental state required for a crime. Ensure that your description accurately reflects whether the action was purposeful, knowing, reckless or negligent.

Common error

Avoid using "intent" loosely in legal contexts. It carries specific legal weight, and misusing it can lead to misinterpretations of actions and motivations. Always ensure you understand the legal definition of "intent" within the jurisdiction you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intent" is that of a noun, representing a purpose or objective. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in contexts relating to planned actions, motivations, and goals. It can also function as part of an adjective phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Books

5%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "intent" is a versatile term, most commonly used as a noun to denote a purpose or aim, or as part of an adjective phrase describing a focused state. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news, sports, and opinion contexts. While synonyms like "purpose" and "aim" exist, "intent" carries a nuance of deliberate determination. When used, ensure precision, especially in legal contexts where it carries specific implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purpose

Direct synonym; refers to the reason for which something is done or created. Is often used in similar context with "intent".

intention

Another direct synonym referring to a thing intended; an aim or plan. Very interchangeable with "intent".

objective

Focuses more on the specific goal that one is trying to achieve. Is not appropriate when "intent" is used to describe 'state of mind'.

aim

Highlights the direction or target of an effort or action. Less formal compared to "intent".

goal

Implies a specific, measurable outcome that one is working towards. Similar to objective but can also refer to an unquantifiable outcome.

design

Emphasizes the planned and deliberate nature of the undertaking. Carries a slightly more formal tone.

plan

A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something; specifies how the "intent" will be carried out.

end

Refers to the ultimate aim or purpose. Can be used in contexts where the final result is being emphasized.

object

Highlights the thing aimed at or sought; the target of one's actions. Less frequently used than the other alternatives.

meaning

Highlights the underlying significance or purpose behind an action or statement. Applies when understanding the "intent" behind communication.

FAQs

How is "intent" typically used in a sentence?

"Intent" can function as a noun, referring to a purpose or aim, as in "His "intent" was clear". It can also appear as part of an adjective phrase, indicating someone is focused, such as "She was "intent" on finishing the project".

What are some synonyms for "intent" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can replace "intent" with words like "purpose", "aim", or "objective". Each carries slightly different nuances but conveys a similar idea of a planned action or goal.

Is it correct to use "intent" to describe a general desire?

While "intent" often implies a strong purpose or determination, it can also describe a general desire or aim. However, for weaker desires, words like "inclination" or "tendency" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "intent" and "intention"?

Both words are closely related and often interchangeable. "Intent" can refer to a purpose or the state of mind during an action, while "intention" more commonly refers to a specific plan or aim. In most contexts, using either will be understood, but "intention" is more directly about the plan.