it was intentional

USAGE SUMMARY

'It was intentional' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was done on purpose. For example: 'He slammed the door shut – it was intentional.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You never know somebody's intentions," Boldin said Wednesday, "but I didn't think it was intentional".

The New York Times - Sports

So it was intentional.

The Guardian - Tech

All of it was intentional.

The New York Times

"And I feel like it was intentional".

The New York Times

I don't think it was intentional.

The New Yorker

Mr. Martínez Celaya said it was intentional.

The New York Times - Arts

They didn't think it was intentional".

The New York Times

You're damn right it was intentional, but it was intentional to pitch inside".

The New York Times - Sports

It has raised questions whether it was intentional.

The Economist

(Mr. Hansen said, chuckling, "I don't think it was intentional").

The New York Times - Arts

It was not clear on replays if it was intentional.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was intentional" to clearly convey that an action was performed on purpose, leaving no room for misinterpretation. This is especially useful in formal or legal contexts where clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid assuming "it was intentional" based solely on the negative outcome of an action. Ensure there's evidence of deliberate planning or purpose before attributing intentionality. Focus on the act's planning stages, not solely on its consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was intentional" serves as a statement affirming that an action or event occurred deliberately, not accidentally. Ludwig's examples show it used to clarify intent and assign responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was intentional" clearly states that an action was performed on purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its primary function is to eliminate ambiguity by asserting deliberate action, as demonstrated in the provided examples. While versatile across various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news and media reporting. When using this phrase, ensure there is evidence to support the claim of intentionality to avoid misinterpretation or accusation. Consider using synonyms like "it was deliberate" or "it was on purpose" to tailor the nuance of your communication. Be careful not to assume intentionality solely based on negative outcomes; verify the planning stage of the action first.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was done deliberately

Focuses on the planned and conscious nature of the action.

it was a deliberate act

Emphasizes the conscious and purposeful nature of the action.

it was on purpose

A more direct and casual way of expressing intentionality.

it was premeditated

Suggests the action was planned in advance, emphasizing forethought.

it was a calculated move

Highlights the strategic and thoughtful nature of the action.

it was designed to

Emphasizes the specific goal or outcome the action aimed to achieve.

it was by design

Suggests the action was part of a larger plan or system.

it was a planned action

Emphasizes that the action was not accidental but carefully thought out.

it was a strategic decision

Highlights the strategic aspect and the decision-making process behind the action.

it was no accident

Directly counters the idea that the event occurred randomly, emphasizing intentionality.

FAQs

How can I use "it was intentional" in a sentence?

You can use "it was intentional" to emphasize that an action was done on purpose, such as, "The mistake wasn't accidental; "it was intentional"."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was intentional"?

Alternatives include "it was deliberate", "it was on purpose", or "it was premeditated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it was intentional" or "it was intentionally done"?

"It was intentional" is generally more concise and direct. "It was intentionally done" isn't incorrect, but can sound redundant. The best choice depends on the flow and emphasis needed in your writing.

What is the difference between "it was intentional" and "it was a mistake"?

"It was intentional" means the action was done on purpose, while "it was a mistake" means it was an accident or an error. They are antonyms, representing opposite intentions behind an action.