intentions of someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intentions of someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing what someone plans or hopes to achieve through their actions or words. Example: "Understanding the intentions of someone can help clarify their motivations and actions in a given situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And intentions are never free-floating: they are always the intentions of someone (or something with a mind).

The Guardian

Most of the increase in income inequality has been at the very top of the scale: it is hard to see how the vast pay packet of a hedge-funder in New York changes the intentions of someone waiting tables in Utah.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Intentions of getting someone drunk in order to have sex with them is rape, and illegal in almost all states and territories.

WikiHow

The state of war is a state in which someone has a sedate and settled intention of violating someone's right to life.

SEP

Catfish: To pretend to be someone you're not online by posting false information, such as someone else's pictures, on social media sites usually with the intention of getting someone to fall in love with you.

Huffington Post

She didn't go out with the intention of killing someone.

The Guardian

I began this process, however, not for monetary gain, nor with the intention of ruining someone's life.

The New York Times

Section 4A makes it an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting language with the intention of causing someone else harassment, alarm or distress.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you're cooking this with the intention of impressing someone special (and I certainly was), put on some Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee or Ella Fitzgerald, pour yourself a glass of wine, aim for a relaxed focus and enjoy yourself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Under section 4 it is an offence to use threatening, abusive or insulting language with the intention of making someone else believe that immediate violence will be used against them or of provoking an immediate violent response.

The Guardian - Opinion

While we're sure that the piece was written with the intention of defending someone in pain, we worry that it contains ways of thinking about mental health that oversimplify complex issues and can be unhelpful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intentions of someone" to differentiate between stated plans and actual actions, especially when evaluating performance or trustworthiness.

Common error

Avoid attributing motives without factual basis or direct communication. Misinterpreting the "intentions of someone" can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intentions of someone" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, specifying whose intentions are being referred to. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to attribute plans, goals, or motives to a specific individual or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intentions of someone" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to denote an individual's motives, goals, or plans. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While assessing intentions requires careful consideration and evidence, understanding them is crucial for interpreting behavior and decision-making. When using the phrase, consider alternatives like "someone's motives" or "someone's aims" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone's aims

This alternative directly replaces "intentions" with "aims", focusing on goals.

someone's motives

This alternative shifts the focus to the underlying reasons behind someone's actions.

someone's purposes

This alternative emphasizes the intended results or objectives.

what someone intends to do

This option rephrases the query as a question that describes the plans.

the goals someone has

This alternative emphasizes the objectives that someone is pursuing.

the reasons behind someone's actions

This expands on the motives, clarifying that they relate to actions.

someone's objectives

This alternative replaces "intentions" with "objectives", focusing on specific targets.

someone's designs

This alternative introduces a sense of planning and strategy.

what someone is trying to achieve

This emphasizes the effort being made to reach a specific outcome.

the end goal for someone

This option describes the ultimate objective someone wants to achieve.

FAQs

How can I use "intentions of someone" in a sentence?

You can use "intentions of someone" to discuss what a person plans or hopes to achieve. For example, "Understanding the "intentions of someone" can help clarify their motivations and actions in a given situation".

What are some alternatives to "intentions of someone"?

Alternatives include "someone's motives", "someone's aims", or "someone's purposes", depending on the specific context.

How do I accurately assess the "intentions of someone"?

Assessing intentions often involves observing behavior, considering context, and, if possible, direct communication. Avoid making assumptions based solely on limited information.

Is it better to focus on actions rather than the "intentions of someone"?

While actions are concrete and observable, understanding the "intentions of someone" can provide valuable insight into their motivations and potential future behavior. Both aspects are important for a complete picture.