primary intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the main or most important purpose or aim behind something. It can be used in various contexts, such as in a scientific experiment, a legal document, or even in personal interactions. For example: - "The primary intention of the study was to determine the effects of caffeine on cognitive performance." - "The primary intention of this contract is to outline the terms and conditions of our agreement." - "You may have hurt my feelings, but I believe your primary intention was to be honest and help me improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, his primary intention seemed to be to prevent panic.

The New Yorker

It's sure to spawn even more singles than it already has, and that's likely the primary intention.

The Guardian - Music

Could it be that any item, divorced from its primary intention, has a capacity to promise fun?

The Guardian

"Nonetheless, when reuse becomes the primary intention of water management, this tends to create public pause," Mr. Herd said.

The New York Times

Colonial projects do not set out to do "good"; their primary intention is to exploit the ruled on behalf of the coloniser.

The Guardian

But with both the deep challenges and rewards that come with it, fostering is quite simply not a role for someone whose primary intention is an income.

The Guardian

I have been responsible for a lot of 'firsts' when my primary intention has been only ever been to let the light of my music shine.

The Guardian

Israel began its campaign on Dec. 27 with the primary intention of breaking Hamas's military infrastructure and its ability to launch rockets at southern Israel.

The New York Times

The Kremlin maintained, against all evidence, that Russia's military campaign vigorously targeted ISIS, with the primary intention of destroying that group.

The New Yorker

GC: Well, unlike, say, the Rodney King incident, our primary intention is not to capture human rights abuses in action, although that has on occasion happened.

The New York Times

Helping people to live cheaply was a happy side effect, but the primary intention was to provide a security service for money.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing objectives, use "primary intention" to clearly highlight the most important aim, especially when multiple goals are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "primary intention" loosely to describe any objective. Ensure it truly represents the core, most important aim, not just a desirable side effect or secondary consideration. Clearly differentiate it from supporting goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary intention" functions as a noun phrase that specifies the main purpose or objective behind an action, plan, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary intention" is a versatile phrase used to denote the main goal or purpose behind an action or plan. Ludwig AI data indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Alternative phrases like "main objective" or "chief aim" can be used for variety. When using "primary intention", ensure it accurately reflects the most important aim and is not confused with secondary goals. Its widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main objective

Replaces "intention" with "objective", focusing on the desired outcome.

chief aim

Substitutes "primary" with "chief" and "intention" with "aim", highlighting the principal goal.

principal purpose

Uses "principal" instead of "primary" and "purpose" instead of "intention", emphasizing the fundamental reason.

core motive

Replaces "intention" with "motive", underscoring the underlying reason for action.

central goal

Emphasizes the centrality of the goal, using "central" instead of "primary".

basic intent

Substitutes "primary" with "basic" and "intention" with "intent", focusing on the fundamental plan.

fundamental purpose

Highlights the foundational nature of the purpose, using "fundamental" instead of "primary".

overriding objective

Emphasizes the importance of the objective, using "overriding" instead of "primary".

key objective

Uses "key" to emphasize the importance of the objective, indicating a critical goal.

foremost aim

Substitutes "primary" with "foremost" and "intention" with "aim", denoting the most important goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "primary intention" to emphasize the main goal of an action. For example, "The "primary intention" of the project was to reduce carbon emissions."

What's a good alternative to "primary intention"?

Alternatives include "main objective", "chief aim", or "principal purpose". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "main primary intention"?

Yes, using both "main" and "primary" is redundant. "Primary" already implies the most important or main intention, so using "main primary intention" is repetitive.

What is the difference between "primary intention" and "secondary intention"?

"Primary intention" refers to the main or most important goal, while "secondary intention" refers to a less important or subordinate goal. If the "primary intention" of a business is to grow sales, a secondary intention might be to improve brand awareness.