serious intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's genuine desire or commitment to achieve a particular goal or outcome. Example: "She expressed her serious intention to pursue a career in medicine after completing her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Antique skylights, Queen Anne chairs and a sparkling chandelier add notes of serious intention.

The New York Times

"Some people have called it a gimmick, but there is a very serious intention here.

The Guardian

And the choice of repertory suggested in advance that the company had no serious intention of doing otherwise.

The New York Times - Arts

"If the league has serious intention of having a season, they have to have room for concessions".

The New York Times - Sports

If there is a serious intention to purchase, the ban can be extended by a further six months to finish fundraising.

Independent

The customs issues "have been lingering for many years now with no serious intention or effort" by the coalition to resolve them, Mr. Zakhilwal said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Mr. Springsteen, as always, had serious intentions.

The New York Times - Arts

Less serious intentions are behind Rudy Serra's terra-cotta loaves.

The New York Times

Behind such serious intentions is a bold and playful chef who improvises daily, often midmeal.

The New York Times - Travel

There may be serious intentions lodged in trivial things, but the poems often remain blissfully trivial.

The New York Times - Books

Yet for all its serious intentions, "La Vida" is an exuberant pop album above all.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious intention" to convey a strong commitment or purpose, especially when emphasizing the genuine nature of someone's plans or motivations. For example, "The company demonstrated its "serious intention" to reduce emissions by investing in renewable energy."

Common error

Avoid using "serious intention" when describing casual interests or fleeting desires. This phrase implies a significant level of dedication and planning; using it inappropriately can overstate the level of commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious intention" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "intention". It describes the nature or quality of the intention, emphasizing its importance and commitment. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples demonstrating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious intention" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for conveying a strong commitment to a goal. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalence across diverse sources, especially News & Media, and its appropriateness for neutral and formal contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "genuine intent" or "earnest determination", "serious intention" specifically emphasizes the weight and purpose behind the intention. When utilizing the phrase, be mindful of the commitment implied and use it to avoid overstating casual desires or interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine intent

Replaces "serious" with "genuine", emphasizing sincerity and authenticity.

sincere purpose

Shifts focus to the underlying purpose, highlighting honesty and earnestness.

earnest determination

Emphasizes the resolute and unwavering nature of the intention.

firm commitment

Highlights a strong dedication and resolve to follow through.

deep-seated resolve

Indicates a profoundly ingrained and unwavering determination.

strong resolve

Highlights the strength and determination behind the intention.

determined aim

Focuses on the specific goal with a strong sense of purpose.

earnest desire

Emphasizes the sincere and heartfelt nature of the wish or aim.

real determination

Replaces "serious" with "real", emphasizing the authenticity.

bona fide intention

Uses a more formal term, 'bona fide', to stress the genuineness and good faith of the intention.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious intention" to describe someone's commitment to a goal. For example: "The government has a "serious intention" to reduce poverty."

What phrases are similar to "serious intention"?

Alternatives include "genuine intent", "sincere purpose", or "earnest determination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "serious intention" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "serious intention" is more suited to formal or neutral contexts. In informal settings, consider using simpler phrases like "really wants to" or "is determined to".

What's the difference between "serious intention" and "serious interest"?

"Serious intention" implies a commitment to take action towards a specific goal, while "serious interest" suggests a strong level of curiosity or engagement without necessarily implying a plan for action.