intentions aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intentions aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are setting aside or disregarding someone's intentions in a discussion or argument. Example: "Intentions aside, the outcome of the project did not meet our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Putting good intentions aside, it's also when I start craving healthy salads again.

Independent

All good intentions aside, the other athletes will be a footnote here forever.

The New York Times - Sports

Uncertainties about Russia's intentions aside, the Azeri-Armenian dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh is on hold but far from resolved.

The Economist

Those good intentions aside, Palestinians who live in the West Bank must cross multiple checkpoints and obtain permits to enter Israel.

The New York Times - Arts

Collins's intentions aside, when Thomas left the building strapped to a stretcher, Collins could not expect to remain in the background.

The New York Times - Sports

"Best intentions aside," she says, having kids "always changes your friendship, at least that first year or so in a way that I think is painful for both of you".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But clarity of intention aside, the biennial is one of the most ambitious and important dance festivals in the world, and its largeness of scale and intention is splendid to see at a time of ever-shrinking financing for the arts.

The New York Times - Arts

That means put every intention aside for the moment except the intentions to create harmony, cooperation, sharing and reverence for Life.

Huffington Post

Artistry and intention aside though, Duchovny is aware that given the general perception of him as an actor that he's opening himself up to snark, and dismissive criticism.

Huffington Post

They have no intentions of pushing aside Barber as the featured runner.

The New York Times - Sports

You may have good intentions of setting aside some of your salary each month but by the time you get there it's been spent.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intentions aside" to introduce a contrasting point or outcome, emphasizing that the result or assessment holds true regardless of the initial aims. This can add depth to your argument by acknowledging but then setting aside the intent.

Common error

Avoid using "intentions aside" merely as a filler phrase. Ensure that you clearly articulate what the actual outcome or contrasting factor is, providing a substantive point after acknowledging the intentions. Otherwise, the phrase loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intentions aside" functions as a prepositional phrase used adverbially. It modifies a clause by setting aside or disregarding the intentions behind an action or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intentions aside" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to introduce a contrasting point by setting aside or disregarding the intentions behind an action. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure you provide a clear contrast after using the phrase. Ludwig's analysis of examples, indicates that you can confidently employ this phrase when you need to shift focus from intent to outcome or other pertinent factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of intentions

Emphasizes that the outcome or assessment remains the same, no matter the original intent.

irrespective of intentions

Highlights that intentions do not affect the situation or judgment.

intentions notwithstanding

A more formal way to convey that despite the intentions, something else is true.

leaving intentions out of it

Directly suggests to ignore or exclude intentions from the current consideration.

without considering intentions

Focuses on the act of deliberately not taking intentions into account.

disregarding the intentions

Highlights a conscious decision to ignore the intentions.

intentions to the side

Suggests moving intentions to a less important position in the current focus.

putting aside the intentions

Implies a deliberate act of temporarily ignoring intentions.

intentions being equal

Acknowledges that the analysis holds true even if we assume the intentions are good.

forgetting about intentions

Suggests a more casual or dismissive approach to the role of intentions.

FAQs

How can I use "intentions aside" in a sentence?

You can use "intentions aside" to introduce a counterpoint or evaluation that remains valid regardless of the original plans or motivations. For example, "Intentions aside, the project failed to meet its deadline".

What does "intentions aside" mean?

The phrase "intentions aside" means that despite the plans, motivations, or aims someone had, something else is still true or relevant. It's used to set aside those plans and focus on another aspect.

Is it better to say "putting intentions aside" or "intentions aside"?

Both "putting intentions aside" and "intentions aside" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired tone and rhythm of your sentence. "Intentions aside" is more concise.

What's a good alternative to "intentions aside"?

Alternatives to "intentions aside" include "regardless of intentions", "irrespective of intentions", or "intentions notwithstanding", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.