intent to join

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intent to join" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a desire or plan to become part of a group, organization, or activity. Example: "She submitted her application with the intent to join the committee." Alternative expressions include "desire to join" and "willingness to join."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The F.T.C. said antitrust concerns led it to begin investigating the proposed merger shortly after the companies announced their intent to join in June.

The New York Times

India sent a letter on Monday to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the body responsible for international climate negotiations, stating its intent to join the Copenhagen Accord.

The New York Times - Science

Martin, in his own confidential review of the Getty's files, also concluded that none of the letters "amounts to proof of Dr. True's knowledge that a particular item was illegally excavated or demonstrates her intent to join a conspiracy".

The New Yorker

In the time since Chicago's last road victory, New York City FC and Orlando City SC entered MLS, and Minnesota United and Los Angeles FC announced their intent to join the league.

The Guardian - Sport

TOKYO — In a possible gambit to reverse his governing party's flagging fortunes, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda appears likely to declare Japan's intent to join an ambitious pan-Pacific free trade agreement, then call a snap election in which the party would campaign on that move.

The New York Times

But in the next breath, the diplomat emphasized in an interview with North Korea's news agency that there was "no change" in North Korea's intent to join the nuclear talks with the United States, which are expected to be held in Beijing early next month.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Richard was enthusiastic and announced his intention to join the crusade, and Henry and Philip Augustus announced their similar intent at the start of 1188.

Wikipedia

“Regardless of whether I participate in an investment group that buys the company, I, as well as the entire senior management team, am willing and eager to remain with the company and see it through the challenging years ahead,” reads a statement in which Riggio outlines his intent to possibly join an investment group in buying out the company.

Forbes

Ferrari have an arrangement with Vettel for the season after next, but it is not clear whether it is a firm contract or the equivalent of a letter of intent for him to join them.

BBC

As a result, Raymond remained in Camrose, signing a letter of intent in November 2004 to join the Minnesota-Duluth the following year for the 2005 06 season.

Wikipedia

Texas officials flew to Oklahoma on Sunday to try to dissuade the Sooners from their stated intent to explore joining the Pacific-12 Conference, two Big 12 university officials who had been briefed on the meeting said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the phrase after a possessive pronoun or a definite article (e.g., "their intent to join" or "the intent to join") to function as the subject or object of a sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "intent to join" when the intended meaning requires an adjective describing a state of mind focused on an action. In such cases, use the phrase "intent on joining" instead. For example, while "he expressed his intent to join" is a declaration, "he was intent on joining" describes his determination.

Linguistic Context

In linguistic terms, "intent to join" is a noun phrase where the head noun "intent" is followed by an infinitive phrase ("to join") acting as a complement. According to Ludwig, it typically functions as a direct object or a subject complement in formal reporting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intent to join" is a highly reliable and grammatically correct expression used to communicate a specific goal of membership or affiliation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is most prevalent in professional journalism and official declarations, such as geopolitical moves or corporate mergers. While often interchangeable with ""intention to join"", it remains a staple in modern English for its clarity and directness. It is important to distinguish it from the adjectival ""intent on joining"", which describes determination rather than a stated plan. Overall, it is a versatile phrase suitable for news, business and scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intention to join

uses the noun form intention which is slightly more formal and emphatic in official declarations

desire to join

highlights the personal motivation or want rather than just the stated plan

willingness to join

implies readiness or consent to become a member if invited or permitted

plan to affiliate

suggests a more formal or structural connection to an organization

aim to participate

shifts focus from membership to active involvement in activities

interest in joining

is less definitive and suggests a preliminary stage of consideration

aspiration to join

conveys a sense of ambition or a long-held dream to become a member

objective to enroll

is commonly used in educational or subscription-based contexts

purpose of entering

is more technical and focuses on the underlying reason for crossing a threshold

commitment to participate

implies a stronger and more binding promise of involvement

FAQs

How do I use "intent to join" in a professional email?

You can use it to express your interest in a new project or department by saying, "I am writing to formally state my "intention to join" the working group next month."

What is the difference between "intent to join" and "intention to join"?

Both are correct and largely interchangeable. However, ""intention to join"" is often perceived as slightly more formal and is frequently used in legal or official contexts, whereas "intent to join" is common in news reporting.

Can I say "intent on joining" instead?

The phrase ""intent on joining"" functions as an adjective phrase meaning 'determined to join'. Use it to describe someone's focus, while "intent to join" is a noun phrase used to state a specific plan.

What is a Letter of Intent to join?

It is a formal document, often used in business or sports, that outlines an individual's or organization's "desire to become part of" a specific agreement or team before the final contract is signed.