legitimate intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the authenticity or validity of someone's purpose or motivation behind an action or decision. Example: "The committee must ensure that all proposals are submitted with legitimate intent to avoid any conflicts of interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it said it "did not believe that the Telegraph – although acting no doubt with legitimate intent – had sufficient grounds, on a prima facie basis, to justify their decision to send the reporters in".

The Guardian

One respondent explained, "you can't just go around sticking pins into people and drawing their blood unless there's at least a legitimate intent to … provide a cure for something or to understand a disease".

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A year ago, when Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative, notified Congress that the Trump administration aimed to renegotiate NAFTA, the intent seemed legitimate and benign.

The Washington Post

Mr. Mueller must now decide where to draw the line between "corrupt" intent and the legitimate exercise of prosecutorial discretion.

The New York Times

In Putin's Russia, the official rhetoric centres on the notion that western powers are intent on blocking "legitimate" Russian national ambitions abroad and dismantling the very statehood of Russia by manipulating groups from within.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trying to ID malware based on where it's sending data can be complicated by hackers looping in legitimate services to mask malicious intent — such as the Russian Hammertoss malware uncovered last year which sends data to services such as Twitter and Github.

TechCrunch

Trying to ID malware based on where it's sending data can be complicated by hackers looping in legitimate services to mask malicious intent — such as the Russian Hammertoss malware uncovered last year which sends data to services such as Twitter and Github.

TechCrunch

That might technically make it more of a legitimate act of war in intent, than an act of terror.

Huffington Post

Israel does have legitimate security needs but seems intent on stalling Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations while encouraging its settlers to occupy most of the good land in the West Bank--leaving any future Palestinian state with the least desirable, non-contiguous areas.

Huffington Post

In some jurisdictions, possession of tools for bypassing locks is a crime even if you have no criminal intent and a legitimate reason for it.

WikiHow

Stringer, the refined, upwardly mobile consigliere to the decidedly gangster Avon Barksdale, was intent on becoming a legitimate businessman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legitimate intent" when you want to emphasize that a purpose is not only real but also justifiable and in accordance with accepted standards or laws.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that a positive "legitimate intent" automatically guarantees a positive outcome. Actions should still be evaluated based on their actual consequences, regardless of the initial intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate intent" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "legitimate" modifies the noun "intent". It describes the quality or characteristic of the intent, indicating that it is justifiable, lawful, or in accordance with accepted standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legitimate intent" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a valid and justifiable purpose or motivation. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's primarily used in News & Media and Science contexts. While not very common, it's a precise term to employ when you want to stress the acceptability and lawfulness of an intent, as opposed to simply its existence. Consider alternatives like ""genuine purpose"" or ""valid motivation"" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine purpose

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the aim.

valid motivation

Highlights the justifiable reasons behind an action.

bona fide intention

Uses a Latin term to stress the good faith and honesty of the plan.

justifiable aim

Focuses on the defensible and reasonable nature of the goal.

lawful objective

Highlights the legality and permissibility of the objective.

real reason

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the actual and true cause.

honest motive

Emphasizes the integrity and straightforwardness of the driving force.

defensible rationale

Highlights that the reason is able to be defended.

acceptable goal

Focuses on the permissibility and unobjectionable nature of the target.

authorized purpose

Stresses that the purpose has been officially sanctioned or allowed.

FAQs

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

You can use "legitimate intent" to describe the valid and justifiable purpose behind an action, such as, "The investigation aimed to determine if the company's actions were driven by "legitimate business purposes" or illegal motives."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate intent"?

Alternatives include "genuine purpose", "valid motivation", or "bona fide intention". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "legitimate intent" formal or informal?

The phrase "legitimate intent" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While not overly technical, it carries a degree of seriousness and is often used in legal, ethical, or official discussions.

What is the difference between "legitimate intent" and "good intentions"?

"Legitimate intent" suggests that the purpose is justifiable and in line with established rules or standards, while "good intentions" simply implies a desire to do something positive, regardless of its validity or feasibility. "Legitimate intent" is also more about what is acceptable, while "good intentions" implies more about someone's feelings.