letter of intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "letter of intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a document outlining a person's intent to complete an action. For example, you might write a letter of intent to your future college expressing your commitment to attending their school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trump reportedly signs the letter of intent.

The Washington Post

He could not sign a letter of intent until February.

The New York Times - Sports

Trump signs letter of intent to pursue Moscow project.

The New York Times

Signed a nonbinding letter of intent to pursue the project.

The New York Times

The letter of intent signed by both banks is nonbinding.

The New York Times

Financial terms of the letter of intent were not disclosed.

The New York Times

Cole signed a letter of intent with U.C.L.A. last year.

The New York Times - Sports

The two have signed a nonbinding letter of intent.

The New York Times

By mid-May, Gutierrez signed a letter of intent.

The New York Times - Sports

The first step in the submission process is the letter of intent.

Kinésithérapie, la Revue

In the spring, when Muhammad signed a letter of intent with U.C.L.A., the N.C.A.A. revved up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting a "letter of intent", clearly state the specific action you intend to take and the timeframe for doing so. This adds clarity and demonstrates a serious commitment.

Common error

Don't treat a "letter of intent" as a legally binding agreement unless explicitly stated. Ensure that both parties understand its non-binding nature to avoid potential disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letter of intent" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it is generally used to indicate a document outlining a person's intent to complete an action, and it is found in several examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "letter of intent" is a very common noun phrase used to express a preliminary agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general use for indicating future intentions. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, followed by scientific and formal business settings. While generally non-binding, understanding its role in setting the stage for more formal agreements is crucial. Be clear about your intentions and potential caveats to ensure proper communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declaration of intent

Focuses on the act of declaring an intention, emphasizing the formal announcement.

statement of intent

Highlights the clarity and explicitness of the intention being communicated.

memorandum of intent

Implies a more formal and detailed agreement, often used in business contexts.

letter of commitment

Emphasizes the dedication and responsibility associated with the stated intention.

preliminary agreement

Suggests an initial understanding that may not be legally binding.

expression of interest

Indicates a desire to explore potential opportunities without a firm commitment.

non-binding offer

A proposal that doesn't create a legal obligation.

term sheet

Summarizes the key terms and conditions of a potential investment or transaction.

heads of agreement

Outlines the main points of a proposed agreement before a formal contract is drafted.

initial proposal

Implies the very first version of an intention and/or agreement

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "letter of intent"?

A "letter of intent" outlines the preliminary understanding between two or more parties. It signifies a serious intention to proceed with a project or agreement, but is typically non-binding.

Is a "letter of intent" legally binding?

Generally, a "letter of intent" is non-binding, serving as an agreement to agree. However, specific clauses may be binding if explicitly stated. Consult legal counsel to ensure clarity.

What should I include in a "letter of intent"?

A "letter of intent" should include the parties involved, a description of the intended agreement, key terms, and a timeline. It should also state whether it is binding or non-binding.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "letter of intent"?

You can use alternatives like "declaration of intent", "statement of intent", or "memorandum of intent" depending on the context.