principal intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or primary purpose behind an action or decision. Example: "The principal intention of this policy is to enhance employee productivity and satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Its principal intention is to offend the sensibilities of Republicans.

The New Yorker

Clearly, the rendering of exquisitely accurate psychological nuance is not McCracken's principal intention.

The New York Times - Books

To rescue some fragments of the English poetic tradition from academic oblivion might not have been Mr. Davies's principal intention in making "Of Time and the City".

The New York Times

A principal intention, however, was to send a sharp signal to North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program, they said.

The New York Times

The principal intention of this volume is to produce a complete listing of material within this field, and not merely a selection (for example, operatic records only).

Stanford University

Though supported by conservationists, the agreement's principal intention is not to conserve this new fish habitat, formed by the receding of polar ice as the world warms up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

History buffs can already answer those questions, so it's to Robert Harris's considerable credit that he wrings some suspense from them, producing a fact-based novel that's deliciously juicy and fleetly paced — maybe too fleetly, all told: the comically foreboding title foreshadows Harris's principal intentions, which are to make you gasp, titter and turn the pages.

The New York Times - Books

One of the principal intentions of the rebels was to capture Sarrail himself.

Wikipedia

The primary conclusions of this project will be based on analyses conducted under the principal of intention to treat.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

All the analyses in this study were performed in PASW (SPSS) v.18 and in accordance with the principal of intention to treat (ITT).

BMC Infectious Diseases

Crowdsourcing with a self-organized networked expert community This requires mechanisms for expert self-organization, which is affected by the principal's intentions and the expectations and needs of the population.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal intention", ensure the context clearly establishes whose intention you are referring to, especially in complex scenarios. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "principal intention" with "principle intention". "Principal" refers to the main or most important aspect, while "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition. Using "principle" in this context would be grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal intention" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It specifies the primary aim or purpose behind an action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

44%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "principal intention" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively conveys the main purpose or aim behind an action. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its register tends toward neutral to formal. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying whose intention is being discussed and avoid confusing "principal" with "principle". Consider alternatives like "main purpose" or "primary objective" to add nuance or vary your writing. In essence, "principal intention" serves as a valuable tool for articulating objectives with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main purpose

Focuses on the overall objective, differing slightly in formality.

primary objective

Highlights the most important goal, adding a sense of prioritization.

chief aim

Emphasizes the primary goal, sounding slightly more formal.

key goal

Highlights the importance of a specific objective, suitable for business or project contexts.

central objective

Indicates that the goal is fundamental and critical.

overriding purpose

Emphasizes the importance and dominance of a particular aim.

fundamental aim

Highlights that the intention is basic and essential.

basic purpose

Implies the essential and underlying reason for something.

main motivation

Focuses on the driving force behind an action, shifting the emphasis from intention to cause.

core objective

Emphasizes that the objective is at the heart of the matter.

FAQs

What does "principal intention" mean?

The phrase "principal intention" refers to the main or primary purpose behind an action, decision, or creation. It highlights the most important aim or objective someone has.

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

You might use it like this: "The "principal intention" of the new policy is to improve employee satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "principal intention"?

Some alternatives include "main purpose", "primary objective", or "chief aim" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "principle intention" instead of "principal intention"?

No, "principle intention" is incorrect. "Principal" is an adjective meaning main or most important, while "principle" is a noun meaning a fundamental truth or proposition. Therefore, the correct phrase is "principal intention".