intent to defraud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intent to defraud" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in legal contexts or discussions about fraudulent activities. Example: "The defendant was charged with conspiracy due to his intent to defraud investors." Alternative expressions include "fraudulent intent" and "deceptive purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intent to defraud was never at issue.

The New York Times

"Although admittedly unconventional and not polished, there was no intent to defraud".

The New York Times

"We'd have to show intent to defraud, but we didn't feel we could show that here".

The New York Times

To win damages, plaintiffs in arbitration do not have to prove an intent to defraud.

The New York Times

Moreover, Mr. Cogdell said, the Government had not presented evidence showing an intent to defraud.

The New York Times

It doesn't require the Attorney General's office to show proof of intent to defraud or proof that anyone was defrauded.

The New Yorker

(Previously, even someone with 500 could walk free unless prosecutors could prove intent to defraud, which is tricky).

The Economist

Under common law, a defendant does not have the requisite intent to defraud when he willfully breaches a contract alone.

Columbia University

The ruling focused on the distinction between an intent to defraud and a willful breach of contract.

Columbia University

Mr. Eriksson, 44, was charged with two counts each of grand theft and fraudulent concealment with intent to defraud.

The New York Times

In 2007, Purdue Pharma was fined in the US for marketing OxyContin "with intent to defraud or mislead" regulators.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, ensure the evidence clearly supports the claim of "intent to defraud", as it's a key element in proving fraud.

Common error

Avoid using "intent to defraud" loosely without concrete evidence; unsubstantiated claims can lead to defamation issues. Always verify the fraudulent intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intent to defraud" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence, particularly in legal and business contexts. Ludwig examples show it used to describe a crucial element needed to prove fraudulent activity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intent to defraud" is a noun phrase denoting a deliberate plan to deceive, primarily used in formal, legal, and business settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, playing a crucial role in establishing culpability in fraudulent activities. The phrase appears very frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business contexts, as exemplified by sources like The New York Times, Cornell University, and Columbia University. When using this phrase, ensure you can substantiate the claim with concrete evidence to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraudulent intent

Switches the structure to adjective + noun, emphasizing the nature of the intent.

deceptive intent

Replaces "defraud" with "deceptive", highlighting the misleading aspect.

intent to deceive

Uses "deceive" as the verb, focusing on the act of misleading.

premeditated fraud

Underscores that the fraud was planned in advance, showing a higher degree of culpability.

scheme to defraud

Focuses on the plan or arrangement designed for fraudulent purposes, emphasizing the active steps taken.

design to defraud

Similar to "scheme", but emphasizes the planning and creation of a fraudulent plan.

malicious intent

Emphasizes the harmful or spiteful nature of the intent.

purposeful deception

Highlights the calculated and deliberate nature of the deception.

willful deceit

Emphasizes the deliberate and intentional nature of the deceit.

objective to defraud

Highlights the aim or goal of the fraudulent activity.

FAQs

How is "intent to defraud" proven in court?

Proving "intent to defraud" often involves demonstrating that the defendant knowingly made false statements, concealed material facts, or engaged in deceptive conduct with the aim of causing financial harm to another party. Evidence can include documents, emails, and witness testimony.

What legal consequences arise from acting with "intent to defraud"?

Acting with "intent to defraud" can lead to various legal consequences, including criminal charges such as fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, as well as civil lawsuits seeking damages for financial losses suffered by the victims. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, and restitution.

What's the difference between "intent to defraud" and negligence?

"Intent to defraud" involves a deliberate and conscious decision to deceive someone for financial gain, requiring proof that the defendant knew their actions were wrongful and intended to cause harm. Negligence, on the other hand, involves a failure to exercise reasonable care, even without the "intent to deceive".

What are some alternatives to "intent to defraud" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "fraudulent intent", "deceptive intent", or "scheme to defraud" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.