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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
principal intent
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "principal intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main purpose or objective behind an action or decision. Example: "The principal intent of the new policy is to enhance employee productivity and satisfaction."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
main intention
primary goal
chief aim
central purpose
major objective
ultimate reason
core motivation
fundamental principle
primary purpose
main objective
principal purpose
primary intent
principal objective
major intent
principal motivation
principal aim
principal subject
focused intent
core intent
overarching intent
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The principal intent of this article is to discuss the issues with thermal instability of common Li-ion electrolytes, which detract from the positive attributes of this chemistry.
Science
However, the principal intent of supplemental irrigation is to capture as much of the applied water into the hill, where the potato tubers and roots are located, and minimize water accumulating in the furrow.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Instead of being a blueprint for action, Hatheway says China's announcement is more a statement of principal and intent.
News & Media
All the analysis in this study was performed in accordance with the principal of intent to treat (ITT).
Science
Services of curative care are defined as those where the principal medical intent of care is to relieve symptoms or reduce severity or protect against exacerbation or complication of illness or injury.
We suggest that there are two principal causes: concurrency design intent is often not explicit in code and, additionally, consistency of intent and code cannot easily be established through either testing or inspection.
This year, SCS launched an online management system that notified principals of teachers' intent to leave, allowing principals to have an immediate sense of their openings and begin the hiring process right away.
News & Media
But Ms. Silberman, who took over as principal in 2004, is intent on rebuilding the auto program and integrating the school's dual vocational and academic missions.
News & Media
A: From day one, Mark Walter, Todd [Boehly] and Peter [Guber] -- the principal owners -- have been intent on having diversity in their ownership group.
News & Media
Second, bivariate analyses were performed to test for associations between survey responses and the principal outcome variable, "serious intent to leave academic medicine".
Science
Focus on the intent principally.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "principal intent", ensure it clearly reflects the primary aim. Avoid ambiguity by providing supporting details or context. This phrase is best suited for formal writing where precision is valued.
Common error
Avoid confusing "principal intent" (the main purpose) with "principle of intent" (a guiding rule or doctrine). "Principal" refers to the most important thing, while "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "principal intent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the primary purpose or aim behind an action, plan, or decision. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this grammatical function.
Frequent in
Science
30%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
10%
Wiki
5%
Academia
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "principal intent" is a noun phrase used to denote the primary purpose or main objective behind an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans across varied contexts, primarily in science, news, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and precision to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "main intention", "primary goal", and "chief aim" can be considered for stylistic variation.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
main intention
Replaces "principal" with "main", slightly altering the emphasis while maintaining the core meaning.
primary goal
Substitutes both words to focus on the desired outcome rather than the intended action.
chief aim
Uses "chief" and "aim" for a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the primary target.
central purpose
Replaces "principal intent" with a focus on the overarching reason or function.
major objective
Emphasizes the significance of the goal by using "major" and "objective".
overriding ambition
Shifts to a stronger sense of aspiration, suggesting a dominant driving force.
ultimate reason
Highlights the foundational justification behind an action or decision.
basic design
Focuses on the fundamental blueprint or plan, moving away from the intention.
core motivation
Highlights the underlying drive or impetus, shifting the focus to internal factors.
fundamental principle
Emphasizes the foundational belief or doctrine guiding an action.
FAQs
What does "principal intent" mean?
"Principal intent" refers to the main or primary purpose behind an action, decision, or plan. It signifies the most important goal one aims to achieve.
How can I use "principal intent" in a sentence?
You might say, "The "principal intent" of this research is to identify new treatments for the disease" or "The "principal intent" of the law is to protect consumers".
What are some alternatives to "principal intent"?
Alternatives include "main intention", "primary goal", or "chief aim". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.
Is it correct to say "principle intent" instead of "principal intent"?
No, "principle intent" is incorrect. "Principal" (meaning main or primary) is the correct word to use in this phrase, not "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition). The correct phrase is ""principal intent"".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested