set an intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set an intention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to talk about setting a goal or plan for yourself or something you are doing. For example, "Before I started this project, I set an intention to finish it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have all these little mantras they give you and they'll ask you to set an intention.

University of California, Berkeley

Take a few conscious breaths during your commute, or set an intention for your day before you leave the house.

Harvard Business Review

He also took time each morning to "set an intention" to deal with whatever arose that day with a sense of compassion and kindness.

Harvard Business Review

I'm an early bird, so I tend to do a practice before anyone else gets in [the office], just to calm my mind and set an intention for the day.

University of California, Berkeley

1. Set an intention.

Forbes

Set an intention each morning that the day ahead will be a success.

Forbes

Set an intention for your browsing to accelerate a goal such as maintaining friendships or starting a job search.

Forbes

He says taking just a few minutes to re-adjust, re-focus and set an intention before moving into your next activity has lasting effects on your energy.

Forbes

When I parked, I set an intention.

Huffington Post

2. Set an intention for the day.

Huffington Post

Set an intention to feel good, welcome an attitude change.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set an intention", be specific about what you intend to achieve. Clearly defining your intention increases the likelihood of realizing it.

Common error

Avoid setting overly broad or vague intentions. For example, instead of intending to "be more successful", specify a concrete action like "increase sales by 10% this quarter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set an intention" functions as a verb phrase, where "set" is the main verb and "an intention" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in defining a desired state or course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set an intention" is a common and correct way to describe establishing a goal or guiding principle. Ludwig AI validates this. As shown in the examples from Ludwig, the phrase is used across various contexts, including personal development, work, and daily routines. While versatile, it's important to be specific and avoid vagueness when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "establish a purpose" or "define your objective" can provide greater clarity depending on the specific context. The phrase exhibits a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a purpose

This alternative emphasizes defining a reason or aim for an action or endeavor. Slightly more formal.

define your objective

This alternative focuses on clarifying the specific target or outcome to be achieved. More direct and action-oriented.

formulate an aim

This phrase highlights the careful development of a goal. More formal and deliberate.

create a plan

Focuses on devising a method or strategy to achieve a particular outcome, shifting the emphasis to the planning stage.

decide on a goal

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of selecting a specific target to pursue. More concrete.

determine your focus

This alternative concentrates on identifying the primary area of attention and effort. Highlights prioritization.

lay down a marker

Idiomatic phrase suggesting the establishment of a standard or expectation. Less common.

chart a course

Suggests mapping out a path or direction for future action. More metaphorical.

fix upon a target

Emphasizes selecting a specific point or object for concentrated effort. More directional.

conceive a design

Focuses on the mental creation of a plan or purpose. Highlights imagination and planning.

FAQs

How can I use "set an intention" in a sentence?

You can use "set an intention" to express the act of establishing a goal or purpose. For example, "Each morning, I "set an intention" to approach my work with focus and enthusiasm."

What's the difference between "set an intention" and "set a goal"?

"Set a goal" typically refers to a specific, measurable outcome, while ""set an intention"" often encompasses a broader aim or guiding principle. An intention can be a mindset or approach, whereas a goal is usually a tangible achievement.

What are some alternatives to "set an intention"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "establish a purpose", "define your objective", or "decide on a goal".

Is it better to "set an intention" or "make a resolution"?

"Set an intention" often implies a more mindful and adaptable approach, while "make a resolution" can be more rigid. An intention allows for flexibility, focusing on the direction rather than a strict outcome.