not intended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not intended" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate that something was unintended or unintentional. For example, you might say "The remarks I made were not intended to be offensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're not intended to.

The New York Times

The behavior was caused, not intended.

The New York Times

"It is not intended to limit voting.

The New Yorker

(Pun definitely not intended).

The New York Times

?Quis? was not intended for serious eyes.

The New Yorker

Gilbert had not intended to remarry.

The New Yorker

Gore had not intended to stay long.

The New Yorker

It was not intended as a compliment.

The New York Times - Sports

They were not intended for consumption.

The New Yorker

This remark was not intended satirically.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's not intended as a passive memorial".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying potential misunderstandings, use "not intended" to directly address and negate any unintended implications. For example, "The survey questions were "not intended" to be invasive, but rather to gather essential demographic data."

Common error

Avoid using "not intended" as a blanket excuse to evade responsibility for foreseeable consequences. While an action may be unintentional, accountability may still be warranted if negligence or lack of foresight contributed to the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not intended" primarily functions as a qualifier or modifier, serving to negate the presence of a specific intention behind an action, statement, or design. Ludwig AI's analysis affirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not intended" is a versatile phrase used to negate the presence of a specific intention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains. Its function is to clarify potential misinterpretations, and while generally neutral, it's crucial to use it responsibly, ensuring it aligns with the available facts. Alternatives like "unintentional" or "accidental" can provide similar meanings, but "not intended" offers a direct way to correct assumptions about purpose. Remember to avoid misusing it as an excuse to evade responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintentional

Focuses on the lack of intention or deliberation behind an action or outcome.

unplanned

Highlights the absence of a prior plan or arrangement.

inadvertent

Stresses the accidental or unintentional nature of an action.

not meant to

Emphasizes that something was not designed or purposed for a particular outcome.

without intention

Directly states the absence of intention in an action.

accidental

Implies that an event occurred by chance, without deliberate intent.

not designed for

Highlights that something was not created or tailored for a specific purpose.

not on purpose

A more informal way of saying something was not done intentionally.

unwitting

Describes an action done without awareness or full understanding of the consequences.

fortuitous

Emphasizes that an event happened by lucky chance.

FAQs

What's the difference between "not intended" and "unintentional"?

"Not intended" directly negates the presence of an intention, whereas "unintentional" simply means lacking intention. They are often interchangeable, but "not intended" can sometimes imply a more active denial of purpose.

How can I use "not intended" in a sentence?

You can use "not intended" to clarify that an action, statement, or design was not meant to achieve a particular outcome. For example, "The software update was "not intended" to disrupt existing workflows."

What are some alternatives to saying "not intended"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unplanned", "inadvertent", or "accidental". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "not intended"?

While grammatically correct, using "not intended" may be inappropriate if evidence clearly contradicts the claim of unintentionality. Ensure the usage aligns with the available facts to maintain credibility.