intent on being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intent on being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong determination or focus on a particular state or action. Example: "She was intent on being the best player on the team, dedicating countless hours to practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two woke up at 5 a.m. after flying to New York from Kansas City, Mo., intent on being one of the first gay couples to get a marriage license in the city.

The New York Times

Intent on being the first ones through the door at Monet's estate the following morning, we dined early on Mr. Guérin's cuisine, as executed by a talented young chef, Joackim Salliot.

The New York Times - Travel

Never one to do anything halfway, Sean's intent on being the best dad ever - so he loads up on parenting how-to books and plans Pinterest-worthy family dinners.

Huffington Post

But overwhelmingly the movie seems perversely intent on being "nice".

The New York Times

And the stars were intent on being just plain folks.

The New York Times

"Qwest is still intent on being disruptive to its competitors".

The New York Times

From the start, Lowell and Bishop were intent on being a mismatch.

The New Yorker

and was intent on being "a serious actress," as she put it.

The New York Times

But Mr. Zoellick's comments were unusual, in part because he seemed intent on being provocative.

The New York Times

We are intent on being the most terrific hosts any town can be".

The New York Times

But that may be because composers these days are intent on being helpful and healing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intent on being" to clearly express a character's or entity's strong commitment to a specific role, identity, or quality. This conveys a sense of purpose and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "intent on being" when a weaker desire or preference is meant. It implies a firm commitment. Instead, use alternatives like "wanting to be" or "hoping to be" if the commitment is not absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intent on being" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of determination or purpose. Ludwig AI shows it is usually followed by an adjective or noun phrase, clarifying what the subject is determined to become. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in describing someone's aspiration or focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intent on being" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong determination or focus on achieving a specific state or identity. Ludwig AI confirms that this prepositional phrase is versatile enough to be used in various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the level of commitment you wish to convey. Alternatives such as "determined to be" or "resolved to be" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. As illustrated by the examples in Ludwig, "intent on being" is a valuable tool for expressing purpose and direction in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to be

This alternative highlights a firm decision and resolve toward a specific outcome.

resolved to be

Emphasizes a formal and conscious decision to act in a certain way or achieve a particular state.

set on being

Indicates a strong preference or inclination, suggesting a focused effort toward a specific goal.

aiming to be

Suggests a direction or target, focusing on the aspiration rather than the certainty of achievement.

aspiring to be

Highlights ambition and the desire to reach a higher level or status.

striving to be

Focuses on the effort and continuous work involved in achieving a desired state.

seeking to be

Implies an active pursuit or search for a particular identity or role.

eager to be

Suggests enthusiasm and anticipation in becoming something or someone.

wanting to be

Expresses a simple desire or wish, which may not necessarily translate into action.

planning to be

Implies preparation and strategy toward a future state, indicating a deliberate approach.

FAQs

How can I use "intent on being" in a sentence?

Use "intent on being" to describe someone's strong determination to achieve a certain state or role. For example, "She was "intent on being" the best student in her class".

What can I say instead of "intent on being"?

You can use alternatives like "determined to be", "resolved to be", or "set on being" depending on the context.

Is "intent on being" formal or informal?

The phrase "intent on being" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "intent on being" and "trying to be"?

"Intent on being" implies a stronger commitment and determination than "trying to be". The latter suggests effort, while the former suggests unwavering purpose.