real intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's genuine purpose or motivation behind an action or statement. Example: "The court must determine the real intent of the parties involved in the contract dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then there is cautiousness about what is the real intent.

The New York Times

It might have been more bravery than real intent.

The Guardian - Sport

The real intent of Iran's nuclear program is causing concern across the world.

The New York Times

The real intent of the ban, the organization alleged, is to "squelch its expressive element".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not convinced there is any real intent behind those good words.

The Guardian

However, this match will be a demonstration of England's real intent if not that of Pakistan.

The Guardian - Sport

"But Iraq has never evidenced real intent to respect Kuwaiti sovereignty".

The New York Times

And our early win against Wrexham this season was a statement of real intent".

The Guardian - Sport

And the crowd was also frigid with boredom because the North Koreans couldn't attack with real intent and Brazil wouldn't.

The New York Times - Sports

Because the deft Cameron's real intent is uncertain, Cable suggested, the once double-digit Tory lead has narrowed.

The New York Times

They seem slightly surprised that newspaper sites and apps have never pursued this strategy with any real intent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "real intent" when you want to emphasize the genuine or actual purpose behind an action or statement, especially when there might be doubt or suspicion about ulterior motives.

Common error

Avoid using "real intent" when you are only discussing what someone believes to be the intent. "Real intent" implies a degree of certainty or evidence about the true motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real intent" functions as a noun phrase, where "real" modifies the noun "intent". It commonly acts as the subject or object of a verb, indicating the genuine purpose or motivation behind an action, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "real intent" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's genuine purpose or motivation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. When using this phrase, it is essential to ensure that you are referring to an actual, demonstrable intent, rather than a perceived or suspected one. Alternatives such as "genuine intention" or "true purpose" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, while still conveying the core concept of authentic motivation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine intention

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the intention.

true purpose

Highlights the actual, often underlying, aim or goal.

actual motive

Focuses on the driving force behind an action or decision.

underlying objective

Points to the fundamental goal that may not be immediately apparent.

sincere desire

Stresses the honesty and earnestness of the wish or aspiration.

principal aim

Highlights the primary or most important goal.

chief reason

Focuses on the main cause or justification.

core motivation

Emphasizes the central impetus or inspiration.

basic rationale

Underlines the fundamental reason or logic.

honest objective

Highlights the candid or sincere goal.

FAQs

How can I use "real intent" in a sentence?

Use "real intent" when you want to emphasize the genuine or actual purpose behind an action or statement. For example: "The prosecutor aimed to uncover the criminal's "real intent" behind the crime".

What are some alternatives to "real intent"?

You can use alternatives like "genuine intention", "true purpose", or "actual motive" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "real intent" and "stated intent"?

"Real intent" refers to the actual, genuine purpose, while "stated intent" refers to the purpose that is explicitly declared. The two may not always align, as the "stated intent" can sometimes mask the "real intent".

Is "real intent" the same as "ulterior motive"?

No, ""real intent"" is a neutral term simply referring to someone's actual purpose. "Ulterior motive" implies a hidden, often self-serving, reason.