most intently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most intently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the manner in which someone is focusing or paying attention to something with great intensity. Example: "She listened most intently to the speaker, eager to absorb every detail of the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He was the one they watched most intently.

The New York Times - Sports

I remember a reporter in London in 1975, who questioned most intently on this.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Richards said that the S.E.C. examined the records of many firms, focusing most intently on about 100.

The New York Times

What Octavian cannot hear, deafened by his youth, is what we find ourselves listening to most intently.

The New York Times

In recent weeks, Iraq has been focused most intently on oil sales and how to turn the market to its advantage.

The New York Times

Mr. Thacker picks up on Hardy's interest in class, but he focuses most intently on the novel's magnificent obsession with the politics of character -- and character assassination.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

And they resolved to be the version of Phish they prized most: the intently practiced, well-prepared Phish from the mid-90s.

The New York Times - Arts

The middle-aged men and women listened intently, most taking notes.

The New York Times

He paced the sideline and intently observed most snaps bent over at the waist with his hands on his knees.

The New York Times - Sports

Sirhan, a native of Jerusalem, listened intently during most of the hearing, turning testy when commissioners pressed him on his memory.

The Guardian

Instead he spent most of his time intently scribbling on index cards, taking dictation from a voice only he could hear.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most intently" to emphasize a high degree of focus or attention, especially when contrasting it with other levels of engagement. For instance, "While she listened to all the speakers, she listened most intently to the keynote address."

Common error

Avoid using "most intently" in casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very carefully" or "closely" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

"Most intently" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It emphasizes the degree of focus or attention with which something is done. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to highlight intense concentration or interest.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "most intently" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a high degree of focus or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, although it's best suited for formal, professional, or neutral settings rather than casual conversation. Alternatives such as "with utmost focus" or "with keen interest" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with utmost focus

Replaces "intently" with "utmost focus", emphasizing the degree of concentration.

with the greatest attention

Substitutes "intently" with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the level of attentiveness.

with maximum concentration

Focuses on the mental effort involved, replacing "intently" with "maximum concentration".

in a highly focused manner

Uses a more formal tone and restructures the phrase to emphasize the focused approach.

with keen interest

Highlights the enthusiasm behind the attention, replacing "intently" with "keen interest".

extremely attentively

Replaces "most intently" with a single adverb expressing a high degree of attentiveness.

with deep absorption

Emphasizes the complete immersion in the subject, offering a more profound sense of focus.

in a very concentrated way

Uses a more descriptive and slightly less formal phrasing to convey intense focus.

with intense scrutiny

Highlights a critical and detailed examination, adding a layer of careful observation.

with unparalleled focus

Emphasizes the uniqueness and exceptional nature of the focus applied.

FAQs

How can I use "most intently" in a sentence?

You can use "most intently" to describe someone's focused attention. For example, "She listened "most intently" during the lecture, taking detailed notes."

What are some alternatives to "most intently"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with utmost focus", "with the greatest attention", or "with keen interest".

Is it correct to say "intently most" instead of "most intently"?

No, the correct word order is "most intently". Placing "most" after "intently" is grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural.

What's the difference between "intently" and "most intently"?

"Intently" describes focused attention. "Most intently" amplifies this, indicating the highest degree of focus or attention compared to other instances.