overall intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overall intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main goal or purpose behind an action, project, or statement. Example: "The overall intention of this initiative is to improve community engagement and foster collaboration among residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But, whatever my doubts about this piece, I still admire Ravenhill's overall intention.

The Guardian

But he retained his overall intention of making the system more rigorous.

The Guardian

Intended to preserve flexibility while making clear an overall intention to end American military participation might be more like it.

The New Yorker

All five actors in the show give astute and poised performances, a sign they are all comfortable with and appreciative of the playwright's varied moods and overall intention.

The New York Times

The overall intention, not least the memorial plaque but also the use of bronze and supporting base, is clearly to mimic the sense of the memorial.

Independent

This would appear to have been Mr. Dowling's overall intention with this "Tartuffe," which is set firmly in the mid-17th century and has been given ravishingly detailed physical life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The team also develop an object relational data modelling tool Latte that supports the overall design intention as well the development paradigms for the proposed architecture.

Computer Standards & Interfaces

Worse, looking at any manageable chunk wouldn't let a programmer trying to adjust the software know very much about the overall design intention of the program what it's meant to do.

Forbes

Never do or say anything contrary to your overall intentions".

The Guardian - Music

As to the mayor's overall intentions, the mystery deepens.

The New York Times

President François Hollande of France has been blunt about his overall intentions, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overall intention", ensure it aligns with the specific actions or decisions being discussed. Clarity in expressing the intention helps avoid ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "overall intention" when you are actually describing specific methods or strategies. The intention is the 'why', while strategies are the 'how'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overall intention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it defining the main purpose or objective behind an action, plan, or design.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overall intention" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the primary aim or purpose behind an action, plan, or design. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s primarily utilized in neutral to formal contexts, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business domains. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity and alignment with the specific actions or decisions being discussed. Alternative phrases like "primary objective" or "main purpose" can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary objective

Focuses on the main goal to be achieved.

chief aim

Highlights the principal purpose or target.

main purpose

Emphasizes the core reason for doing something.

central goal

Stresses the most important goal to be attained.

principal objective

Indicates the key objective among others.

overarching aim

Highlights a high-level goal that encompasses smaller objectives.

general plan

Refers to a broad strategy or scheme.

basic idea

Emphasizes the fundamental concept behind something.

core concept

Focuses on the central theme or notion.

underlying motive

Highlights the driving force or reason behind an action.

FAQs

How can I use "overall intention" in a sentence?

You can use "overall intention" to describe the primary aim or purpose behind an action or project. For example, "The "overall intention" of the study was to identify new treatment options."

What are some alternatives to "overall intention"?

Alternatives to "overall intention" include "primary objective", "main purpose", or "chief aim". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the overall intention was"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the overall intention was" followed by a description of the intention. For example, "The "overall intention" was to improve patient outcomes."

How does "overall intention" differ from "specific goal"?

"Overall intention" refers to a broader, more encompassing aim, while "specific goal" refers to a concrete, measurable target. The "overall intention" provides direction, whereas specific goals define the steps to achieve it.