intent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a purpose or plan to do something in the future. Example: "She has the intent to start her own business next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

c. intent to harm others.

The New York Times

Town officials have denied intent to discriminate.

The New York Times

It's not intent to injure".

The New York Times - Sports

There's no intent to make them better.

The New Yorker

Replays clearly confirm intent to shame.

The New Yorker

It's my intent to break the culture".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Modified intent-to-treat.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Intent-to-treat analyses showed similar results.

Behavior Therapy

All analyses were performed on an intent-to-treat basis.

Gynecological Surgery

ITT = Intent-to-treat analysis.

BMC Geriatrics

mITT, modified intent-to-treat.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intent to" when you want to clearly state the purpose or objective behind an action or decision. This phrase adds a formal and deliberate tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "intent to" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler phrases like "planning to" or "trying to" would be more appropriate. Stick to more formal contexts for better effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intent to" functions as an infinitive phrase introducer, connecting a noun (often expressing a decision or purpose) with the action that is intended. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, and it's typically used to express a plan to do something in the future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intent to" serves as a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression used to convey purpose and planning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, with applications across varied contexts, notably in news, scientific, and wiki platforms. While its formality lends itself to professional and academic settings, overuse in casual conversation can diminish its impact. Alternative expressions such as "planning to" or "aiming to" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. By carefully considering the context and register, you can effectively employ "intent to" to add clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the intention of

Formally states the aim or purpose behind an action.

planning to

Focuses on the act of devising a strategy or course of action, implying a future intention.

aiming to

Emphasizes the goal or objective one is trying to achieve.

with the purpose of

Highlights the reason or objective behind an action.

seeking to

Implies an effort to find or obtain something, often with a specific goal in mind.

desiring to

Expresses a strong wish or longing to do something.

having the objective of

Stresses the specific target or outcome that is being pursued.

hoping to

Suggests a desire for a particular outcome, often with a degree of uncertainty.

undertaking to

Highlights the commitment to perform a specific task or action.

proposing to

Indicates a formal suggestion or plan to do something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "intent to" is followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "She has the "intent to" start her own business", or "The company announced its "intent to" expand into new markets".

What are some alternatives to "intent to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "planning to", "aiming to", or "with the "purpose of"" to express a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "intention to" or "intent to"?

"Intent" is often used in legal contexts to describe a state of mind, while "intention" refers more broadly to a purpose or aim. "Intent to" is commonly used before a verb, indicating a purpose or plan, while "intention to" is less frequent.

What's the difference between "intent to" and "desire to"?

"Intent to" suggests a determined plan or purpose, whereas "desire to" indicates a wish or longing without necessarily implying a concrete plan. Intent carries a stronger connotation of action and commitment.