real intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real intention" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a genuine or sincere purpose or goal. Some possible examples of using this phrase in a sentence are: - "His real intention in starting the charity was to make a positive impact on the community." - "The politician's real intention behind the new policy remains unclear." - "I could sense his real intention was to impress his boss, not to help me with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His real intention was to spark a debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he had no real intention of killing himself.

The Guardian

The real intention of the cover is to allow users to customize their device with ease.

The New York Times

"Then and only then does he move with real intention to the canvas," Yuknavitch writes.

The New Yorker

"My real intention was to prevent a mere handful of American soldiers from committing crimes.

The New York Times

Lithuania's only real intention in the second half was to try to keep the score down.

The Guardian - Sport

The woman's real intention for the synthetic hormone, Serostim, had nothing to do with AIDS.

The New York Times

But his agent, Glenn Latimer, said that Plaatjes had no real intention of running.

The New York Times - Sports

Greenpeace's Davies suspects that might well be the alliance's real intention.

The New York Times - Magazine

"To me, that was proof that they had no real intention of running it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The real intention of Osama bin Laden is here," a retired senior Saudi official said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "real intention", ensure the context clearly distinguishes it from any stated or apparent purpose. This helps to emphasize the genuine nature of the goal you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "real intention" when the purpose is already clear and straightforward. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can make your writing sound redundant or even suspicious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real intention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the true purpose or motive behind an action or statement, often implying that it differs from what is outwardly expressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "real intention" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that highlights the genuine, often underlying, motive behind actions or statements. Ludwig AI confirms this. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves to reveal true purposes, clarify hidden agendas, and express skepticism. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring clarity and avoiding redundancy. Related phrases such as "true motive" and "actual purpose" offer nuanced alternatives, enriching expression and promoting clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

true motive

Focuses specifically on the reason behind an action, often implying a hidden agenda.

actual purpose

Emphasizes the goal that is genuinely aimed for, contrasting with stated or apparent aims.

genuine aim

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the objective.

underlying motive

Suggests a deeper, less obvious reason for actions or decisions.

true objective

Pinpoints the authentic goal, setting aside any secondary or misleading aims.

real objective

Specifies the authentic target, setting aside secondary or misleading aims.

core intent

Highlights the main goal, setting aside secondary or misleading aims.

basic purpose

Focuses specifically on the reason behind an action.

actual design

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the objective.

fundamental goal

Suggests a deeper, less obvious reason for actions or decisions.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "real intention" in a sentence?

Use "real intention" to emphasize the contrast between a stated purpose and the actual, often hidden, motive. For example, "While the stated goal was to improve efficiency, the company's "real intention" was to cut costs".

What phrases can I use instead of "real intention"?

You can use alternatives like "true motive", "actual purpose", or "underlying motive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "real intention" over other similar phrases?

Use "real intention" when you want to highlight a contrast or potential deception, suggesting that the stated purpose is not the complete or accurate picture. It implies a deeper, more genuine aim that may be concealed or less obvious.

What's the difference between "real intention" and "stated intention"?

"Real intention" refers to the actual, possibly hidden, purpose, while "stated intention" is the purpose that is officially announced or declared. The two may not always align, implying a potential discrepancy between words and actions.