intent on doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intent on doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong determination or focus on a specific action or goal. Example: "She was intent on doing her best in the competition, no matter the challenges she faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he was intent on doing more.

The New York Times

"But I was intent on doing something else".

The New York Times - Sports

Our current president appears intent on doing the same.

The New York Times

Now, however, the Mets seem intent on doing exactly what they want.

The New York Times - Sports

He's in the N.F.L. now, but I think he's still intent on doing things right".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet the Americans, Chinese, Russians and Europeans all seem intent on doing their own monitoring.

The Economist

Politicians seem intent on doing just the opposite.(Photo credit: AFP).

The Economist

Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader, seems intent on doing the president's bidding.

The New York Times

The next morning, while my family slept soundly, I roused myself, intent on doing some exploring.

The New York Times - Sports

Clearly, Arizona was not going to score — but Harrison was instantly intent on doing so himself.

The New York Times - Sports

You don't fly in unless you're really, really intent on doing something.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intent on doing" to clearly express a strong purpose or determined action. Ensure the context supports the level of commitment the phrase conveys.

Common error

Avoid using "intent on doing" in very casual conversations where simpler phrases like "planning to" or "going to" might be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intent on doing" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, expressing a state of mind characterized by strong determination or focused intention toward a specific action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intent on doing" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a strong determination or focus on performing an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news, sports, and formal business contexts. While it's suitable for many situations, remember that in extremely casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable. Understanding its nuances and appropriate use will enhance your writing and communication by ensuring clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to do

Focuses more directly on the state of being determined, rather than the intention.

focused on doing

Emphasizes the concentration aspect, less about the initial intention.

set on doing

Implies a firm decision has been made, a stronger sense of commitment.

resolved to do

Suggests a formal or serious decision has been made.

committed to doing

Highlights the dedication and obligation towards the action.

eager to do

Conveys enthusiasm and anticipation rather than just intent.

keen to do

Similar to eager, but implies a strong desire or enthusiasm.

hell-bent on doing

Adds a sense of recklessness or extreme determination.

dead set on doing

Emphasizes an unshakeable commitment to a plan or action.

with the aim of doing

Highlights the purpose or goal behind the action.

FAQs

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

Use "intent on doing" to show someone is determined to achieve something, like "She was "intent on doing" her best on the exam".

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

You can use alternatives like "determined to do", "focused on doing", or "set on doing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "intent on doing" or "intending to do"?

"Intent on doing" and "intending to do" are both correct but have slightly different meanings. "Intent on doing" implies a stronger determination than "intending to do". You can find additional alternatives such as "plan on doing" or "aiming to do".

What's the difference between "intent on doing" and "interested in doing"?

"Intent on doing" suggests a strong determination and focus, while "interested in doing" simply indicates curiosity or a desire to explore something. "Intent on doing" means actively pursuing a goal, whereas "interested in doing" means having a liking for something.