intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intention" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means "a thing intended; an aim or plan". For example, "My intention is to finish my project by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Purnell said there was no intention to contract out big-rating BBC shows such as EastEnders to independent producers as part of director general Tony Hall's plans to open up in-house production to more competition.

The Guardian

It is with this intention, that "nudity is strategically employed as a mode of social and political action".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The official confirmed that, in the absence of handover or destruction, this was indeed the government's intention.

The Guardian

"I suppose I appealed more to the working-class man, the people who worked in the meat works and the factories," he said in 2007, after announcing his intention to leave New Zealand to play overseas.

The Guardian - Sport

What was the lord's intention in crying "My royal liege"?

The Guardian

Everyone in the Labor party suspected he had no intention of serving much more than six weeks of a new Senate term, and even before the election, speculation began about who would replace him.

The Guardian

We have no intention of selling one of the best players in the world to one of our rivals.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the main hazards of becoming prime minister is the problems that arise when mischief-making newspapers cry, and maliciously inclined colleagues whisper: "Look behind you!" Alan Johnson would, I am sure, take on the job with the absolute intention of being a loyal deputy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The intention in Moscow was to use that period to achieve a progressive convergence with the EU.

The Guardian

The five lived together in two neighbouring riads in the medina with the original intention of creating an evolving exhibition as they made the work.

The Guardian - Arts

Grübel has made it clear that he has no intention of resigning, and there is a concern that even if he did step aside the bank has no obvious successor.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "intention", ensure clarity by explicitly stating whose "intention" you are referring to and the specific action or goal associated with it.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone's "intention" without clear evidence. Base your statements on observable actions and declared aims, rather than speculation.

Linguistic Context

The noun "intention" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, indicating a planned course of action or a purpose. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility in expressing aims and goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intention" is a versatile noun denoting a planned course of action or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. As the examples from The Guardian and other authoritative sources demonstrate, "intention" is frequently found in news, sports, and opinion pieces. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying whose "intention" you are referencing. Alternatives such as "purpose", "aim", and "goal" offer nuanced ways to express planned actions. Avoid misattributing "intentions" and rely on evidence-based statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purpose

Focuses more on the reason behind an action, rather than the plan itself.

aim

Highlights the desired outcome or goal.

goal

Emphasizes the specific target one wants to achieve.

objective

Suggests a more formal and defined target.

design

Implies a detailed plan or scheme.

plan

A more general term for a set of actions to achieve something.

objective

Synonymous with 'goal', but typically applied in professional settings.

motive

Highlights the underlying reason or cause for an action.

ambition

Implies a strong desire and determination to achieve something.

aspiration

Expresses a hope or dream to achieve something significant.

FAQs

How to use "intention" in a sentence?

You can use "intention" to describe a planned action or goal. For example, "My intention is to improve my writing skills."

What can I say instead of "intention"?

You can use alternatives like "purpose", "aim", or "goal" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "intention" or "intent"?

"Intention" refers to a plan or aim, while "intent" often relates to the state of mind or purpose behind an action. While related, they aren't always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "intention" and "wish"?

"Intention" implies a firm plan and commitment, whereas "wish" expresses a desire that may not necessarily be accompanied by a concrete plan of action.