intent upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"intent upon" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means being focused and determined to achieve a certain goal or outcome. Example: The CEO was intent upon increasing the company's profits, so she implemented a new marketing strategy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We appear intent upon consuming the planet.

The Guardian

They will travel to Charlton intent upon claiming the title.

The Guardian - Sport

Japanese art seems ever intent upon blurring the distinction.

The New York Times - Arts

JOSEPH B. TREASTER A. This is an evil guy who is intent upon destroying us.

The New York Times

The Steins, who described themselves as empty-nesters, are now intent upon downsizing.

The New York Times

It appears that the New Jersey state workers are intent upon doing so.

The New York Times

Last week, Griffin was intent upon defending himself against the charge of suppressing minority votes.

The New Yorker

Around 1400, two powers emerged intent upon exercising imperial control on an unprecedented scale.

The Guardian

Suddenly the Bangladesh batsmen were intent upon little more than survival.

The Guardian - Sport

Such details were invaluable to reporters intent upon milking the castaways' full sentimental potential.

The New Yorker

But at this time, we are very much intent upon running.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "intent upon" in informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or writing. Consider using alternatives like "focused on" or "set on" for a more natural tone.

Common error

Avoid using "intent upon" in passive voice constructions where the subject is not actively pursuing the intention. For example, instead of "The plan was intent upon being executed," use "They were intent upon executing the plan" to maintain clarity and active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intent upon" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the subject's state of mind, indicating a focused determination or resolve towards a specific goal or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. The examples show its use in describing individuals, groups, or entities that are strongly focused on achieving something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

21%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intent upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a strong sense of determination and focused effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and formal writing. While leaning towards a neutral to formal register, it effectively communicates a resolute commitment towards a specific goal. To enhance your writing, remember to reserve "intent upon" for scenarios where you wish to emphasize unwavering focus and avoid passive constructions that may dilute its impact. Consider using more informal alternatives like "focused on" or "set on" in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bent on

Similar to "intent upon" but can sometimes imply a slightly negative or obsessive focus.

determined to

Highlights the resolve and firmness in pursuing something, placing more emphasis on the decision-making aspect than "intent upon".

set on

Suggests a firm decision and commitment to a course of action, with a slightly more informal tone compared to "intent upon".

focused on

Emphasizes concentration on a specific task or goal, differing slightly in its lack of the strong determination implied by "intent upon".

resolved to

Implies a formal and conscious decision to achieve something, carrying a stronger sense of overcoming obstacles than "intent upon".

driven to

Suggests being compelled or motivated to act, often by internal or external forces, highlighting the driving force behind the intention.

aiming to

Focuses on the objective or target being pursued, with less emphasis on the intensity of the intention compared to "intent upon".

eager to

Focuses on enthusiasm and eagerness rather than strict intention, making it suitable for contexts where excitement is a key aspect.

keen on

Indicates a strong interest and enthusiasm, differing from "intent upon" in its emphasis on desire rather than determined action.

pursuing

Highlights the act of following or striving for something, rather than the mental state of being intent. The intention is implied but not the focus.

FAQs

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

Use "intent upon" to describe someone's focused determination to achieve a specific goal, such as "The team was "intent upon" winning the championship".

What are some alternatives to saying "intent upon"?

You can use alternatives such as "focused on", "determined to", or "set on" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it more appropriate to use "intent on" or "intent upon"?

"Intent on" and ""intent upon"" are largely interchangeable, but "intent upon" often carries a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes a deeper level of focus and determination.

What's the difference between "intent upon" and simply "intending to"?

"Intent upon" suggests a stronger commitment and focused effort than simply "intending to". While "intending to" indicates a plan, ""intent upon"" highlights a resolute pursuit.