original intent

USAGE SUMMARY

"original intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the original meaning or purpose of something. For example, "The original intent of the law was to protect the rights of citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Stevens disagrees with Bork's exclusive emphasis on original intent: "Originalism is perfectly sensible.

The New York Times

What was his original intent?

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever happened to "original intent"?

The New York Times - Magazine

Including memory was not Crave's original intent.

The New York Times

"It wasn't my original intent," he said.

The New Yorker

But that's not my original intent.

The Guardian

Original intent makes all the difference.

The New York Times

But that was not Mr Kristol's original intent.

The Economist

That had not been the filmmakers' original intent.

The New York Times - Arts

The original intent of the drafters of the constitution?

The Economist

Still, says Ms. Harley, the original intent is intact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative contexts, use "original intent" to emphasize the artist's initial vision versus later interpretations or adaptations.

Common error

Avoid the assumption that a single, universally agreed-upon "original intent" exists, particularly in complex historical or legal contexts. Acknowledge potential ambiguities or differing perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "original intent" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to the initial purpose or meaning behind something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "original intent" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that refers to the initial purpose or meaning behind something. According to Ludwig AI, its use is appropriate in a wide variety of contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, ensure that the "original intent" is well-defined and its source is clear. Considering alternatives such as "initial purpose" or "underlying intention" can add nuance to your writing. Avoid the assumption of a singular, universally agreed-upon meaning. Ludwig's examples reflect the phrase's versatility and importance across different disciplines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial purpose

Focuses on the aim or objective at the beginning.

Underlying intention

Emphasizes the hidden or not immediately obvious purpose.

Primary objective

Highlights the main goal that was pursued.

Original aim

Stresses the initial goal or target.

Founding purpose

Relates to the purpose at the establishment or creation of something.

Genesis intention

Highlights the intention at the very origin or beginning.

Creators' intent

Specifically refers to the intention of the creator(s) of something.

Framers' intent

Highlights intent related to law and constitution.

Legislative intent

Specifically refers to the intention behind legislation.

Initial design

Emphasizes the original plan or blueprint.

FAQs

How is "original intent" typically used in a sentence?

It's commonly used to discuss the initial purpose or meaning behind something, such as "The proposal, they said, violates the "original intent" of Congress."

What are some alternatives to "original intent"?

You can use alternatives such as "initial purpose", "underlying intention", or "primary objective" depending on the specific context.

What is meant by "original intent" in legal terms?

In a legal context, "original intent" often refers to the understanding or purpose the framers of a law or constitution had when creating it. It is used when interpreting legal texts.

Is it more accurate to say "original intent" or "initial intent"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "original intent" is more common when discussing laws, constitutions, or creative works. "Initial intent" might be more appropriate for describing personal plans or projects.