sheer intention

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer intention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest an action that is straightforward and unwavering, with the intent of achieving a goal or purpose. For example, you could say, "She had a sheer intention to succeed in her career goals, and nothing was going to stand in her way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

You can't just go and make a music video with the sheer intention of making it's viewers feel like assholes.

Vice

You can't just go and make a music video with the sheer intention of making its viewers feel like assholes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It rewards the remote view with its sheer power and its intention and composition, but it also rewards a very close-up view where you can see details," observes Daehner about the broken nose and flesh wounds, but more importantly the softly textured hair and beard.

The Guardian - Arts

The important second section of the exhibition, "Still-life or Trompe l'Oeil?" illustrates, primarily through examples from these northern schools, how problematic it can be to define the frontiers between sheer virtuoso mimesis and an intention to dupe the viewer.

The New York Times - Arts

In "Mars", a persistent, uneven rhythmic cell consisting of five beats, combined with trumpet calls and harmonic dissonance provides battle music which Short asserts is unique in its expression of violence and sheer terror, "... Holst's intention being to portray the reality of warfare rather than to glorify deeds of heroism".

Wikipedia

In parenting, my partner and I sometimes get lost between intention and the sheer speed of day to day.

Huffington Post

It is also the story of how a handful of scruffy, brainy, workaholic young malcontents somehow managed - by intention, accident, improvisation and sheer inventiveness - to create some new types of film and new ways of film-making.

The Guardian - Film

The wheels started to come off the wagon when these praiseworthy intentions were overwhelmed by the sheer press of numbers.

Huffington Post

But sheer numbers and market forces often defeated good intentions.

The Economist

The look was a mixture of suppressed worry and shock, with a glaze of feigned excitement covering their eyes like a sheer curtain door - the result of good intentions, but I could see right through it.

Huffington Post

Perhaps this is by design, the intention being to depict the artist's peacefulness overwhelmed by sheer size.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer intention" to emphasize a direct, uncomplicated, and unwavering purpose. It is most effective when describing a deliberate and focused action.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer intention" when a milder term like "basic intention" or "simple aim" would suffice. "Sheer" suggests a forceful, unadulterated quality that may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer intention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sheer" modifies the noun "intention". It describes the quality or nature of the intention, emphasizing its unadulterated and focused character. Ludwig confirms that the expression is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer intention" is a valid and grammatically correct noun phrase that emphasizes the unadulterated and unwavering nature of a purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. The phrase serves to highlight a focused and direct aim, free from complicating factors. Alternatives like "pure intent" or "absolute determination" can be used to convey similar meanings, while carefully considering the nuance of each option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure intent

Replaces "sheer" with "pure", suggesting a sincere and unmixed purpose.

unadulterated intention

Substitutes "sheer" with "unadulterated", highlighting a purpose that is not diluted or weakened.

absolute determination

Focuses on the strength of will rather than just the intention, implying a resolute commitment.

complete resolve

Emphasizes the firmness of the decision and the unwavering commitment to it.

unwavering purpose

Highlights the steadfastness of the goal, suggesting a lack of hesitation or doubt.

focused intent

Stresses the concentration of the intention, implying a narrow and specific aim.

single-mindedness

Highlights dedication to one goal and a refusal to be distracted

firm resolution

Implies that someone has a firm and resolute decision to do something

fixed purpose

Suggests that someone's purpose is not easily changed.

intense determination

Emphasizes the strength of will behind the intention.

FAQs

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

Use "sheer intention" to underscore that an action is driven by a very clear, focused, and uncompromising purpose. For example, "The project succeeded due to the team's "sheer intention" to deliver exceptional results."

What are some alternatives to "sheer intention" that I could use?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives such as "pure intent", "absolute determination", or "unwavering purpose".

Is there a difference between "sheer intention" and "strong intention"?

"Sheer intention" emphasizes the unadulterated and focused nature of the purpose, while "strong intention" primarily highlights the intensity or force behind the purpose. Therefore, "sheer intention" often suggests a more direct and less complicated aim.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "sheer intention"?

It's most appropriate to use "sheer intention" when you want to emphasize that an action or decision is driven by a straightforward and unwavering purpose, without any ulterior motives or complications. It's particularly effective when describing overcoming obstacles with a very direct and uncomplicated plan.