secret intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secret intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or undisclosed motive behind someone's actions or decisions. Example: "Her secret intention was to gain control of the company without anyone noticing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He had come to Laos with the secret intention of asking Ms. Kubicka to marry him.

The New York Times

Stalin's secret intention was to draw Berlin – and then the whole of Germany – into the Communist orbit.

The Guardian - Travel

I would walk about on foot, just as usual, with the consciously secret intention of not letting people notice very much how regally rich I am..

The New Yorker

In fact, that had been her secret intention in writing this script: to try to rekindle the romance and fan it back to life.

The New York Times - Books

I would walk about on foot, just as usual, with the consciously secret intention of not letting people notice very much how regally rich I am...

The New Yorker

Vulgar curiosity made me wonder if every sentence confirmed or denied or masked a secret intention.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Are they frisked for weapons or secret intentions?

The Guardian - Arts

And maybe he has some special insight into the dark inner workings of Mr Obama's heart and secret intentions.

The Economist

It is recommended to act as crazy as possible, in order to raise questions about your secret intentions.

The New York Times

Dark shadows of incoming clouds sped over the white sand and carried the dunes in a blink, like the waves' secret intentions.

The New Yorker

For fans of: Minecraft, cooperative social games, villages Platform: Available now on PC Developed by: Osmotic Studios, Germany This German-made game is set in the near future where all of our movements are tracked online, we post publicly on social media, and the state monitors our conversations to decide what our secret intentions are.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secret intention" when you want to emphasize that someone has a hidden motive or purpose that they are not revealing. This phrase adds a layer of intrigue or suspicion to the action being described.

Common error

Avoid automatically assuming that a "secret intention" is malicious. While it often implies a hidden agenda, it can also simply mean someone has a personal goal they are not yet ready to share.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secret intention" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "secret" modifies the noun "intention". It describes a motive or purpose that is deliberately concealed. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secret intention" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a hidden motive or purpose. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, it's important to consider the context. The phrase can imply intrigue or suspicion, but doesn't necessarily denote malicious intent. Alternatives like "covert motive" or "hidden agenda" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. The phrase sees most frequent use in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covert motive

Emphasizes the hidden and concealed nature of the motive.

ulterior motive

Suggests a motive that is not immediately apparent and potentially self-serving.

hidden agenda

Implies a planned and concealed purpose that may be manipulative.

unspoken purpose

Highlights the lack of explicit communication about the intention.

private design

Focuses on the personal and undisclosed nature of the plan.

concealed aim

Stresses that the goal is deliberately kept from being known.

unrevealed goal

Highlights that the final objective has not been disclosed.

underlying purpose

Suggests a fundamental but not obvious reason for doing something.

tacit objective

Refers to a goal that is understood without being openly expressed.

clandestine motivation

Emphasizes the secretive and often illicit nature of the driving force.

FAQs

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

You can use "secret intention" to describe a hidden motive or purpose behind someone's actions. For example: "Her secret intention was to surprise him with a party." or "He went along with their plans, but his secret intention was to sabotage them from the inside."

What are some alternatives to "secret intention"?

You can use alternatives like "covert motive", "ulterior motive", or "hidden agenda" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "secret intention"?

Not necessarily. While "secret intention" often implies a hidden agenda, it can also simply mean someone has a personal goal they are not yet ready to share. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

How does "secret intention" differ from "ulterior motive"?

"Secret intention" is a more neutral term, simply indicating a hidden purpose. "Ulterior motive" more strongly suggests that the hidden purpose is self-serving or potentially dishonest.