my first intention

USAGE SUMMARY

"my first intention" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the initial or primary purpose or goal behind an action or decision. Example: My first intention was to study medicine, but after a semester, I realized my true passion was in literature.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"My first intention was to reinterpret old petrol lamps, with a simple base and blown glass on top," Ms. Vautrin said.

The New York Times

My first intention was to do a foreign languages degree, but that meant a year abroad and I couldn't just up and leave; by then, the kids were in school.

The Guardian - Sport

So I realised, while I was backstage at one of these events, I should be doing something in my home state, Connecticut, so my first intention was to help people who were struggling financially because that was the single worst memory through the coming years".

Independent

"My first intention wasn't to produce a series on 'Star Wars,' but to photograph locations that are the makeup of our modernity: parking lots, peripheral zones, wastelands, forgotten places, of both beauty and ugliness, common and mad," Mr. Delsaux said by e-mail.

The New York Times - Arts

But that was not my first intention at all.

BBC

My first intention was to deal with this internal data deluge and to work with the tools that the young generation are using.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Does this catch-phrase sound good, but is unlike my first intentions?

WikiHow

But true to that first intention, the missing Js include Jew, Jewish and Judaism.

Independent

Any analysis that presumes our first intention is self-preservation is fundamentally flawed as we faithfully worship God and serve our neighbours in every place".

The Guardian

"If reality had been his first intention, Degas would have worked harder to make it seem as though the jockey had actually fallen off," Ms. Clausen Pedersen said.

The New York Times - Arts

For example, 'God' and 'man' are terms of first intention.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my first intention" to clearly state your initial goal or purpose, especially when you want to contrast it with a later change of plans or a different outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "my first intention" as a substitute for actual action. It describes a plan or goal, not the execution of that plan. For example, instead of saying "My first intention was going there", say "My first intention was to go there".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my first intention" primarily functions as a subject complement or part of an introductory phrase. It specifies the initial aim or purpose behind an action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my first intention" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an initial aim or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While not extremely frequent, it appears in credible sources, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Related phrases include "my initial aim" or "my primary objective". When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a genuine intention rather than a completed action. Understanding its purpose and application will enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my initial aim

Focuses on the starting point of a goal, similar to intention but with a slightly stronger emphasis on achievement.

my primary objective

Highlights the main goal, often used in more formal contexts than "my first intention".

my first objective

Highlights the initial step to a goal.

my original purpose

Emphasizes the initial reason or design behind an action, close in meaning but slightly more formal.

my foremost goal

Stresses the importance and priority of the goal, slightly stronger than "my first intention".

my starting point

Indicates the beginning of a plan or course of action, less about the goal itself.

what I initially wanted

Focuses on the desired outcome from a personal perspective. More informal.

the initial plan was

Emphasizes the planned or designed aspect.

the original idea was

Highlights the idea or concept from the beginning.

I initially thought

Explains your first thought or idea.

FAQs

What does "my first intention" mean?

The phrase "my first intention" refers to the initial aim, goal, or purpose that someone has when starting something or making a decision.

How can I use "my first intention" in a sentence?

You can use "my first intention" to explain the original reason behind your actions, as in "My first intention was to help, but things changed unexpectedly."

What can I say instead of "my first intention"?

You can use alternatives like "my initial aim", "my primary objective", or "my original purpose depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "my initial intention" instead of "my first intention"?

Yes, "my initial intention" is a perfectly acceptable synonym and often used interchangeably with "my first intention".