specific intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a person's intention to achieve a particular result or outcome when committing an act. Example: "In criminal law, the prosecution must prove that the defendant acted with specific intent to secure a conviction for the charged offense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The comparison relates to his strategy, not his specific intent.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There has to be specific intent," he said.

The New York Times

Therefore, the facts of this case suffice to prove the element of specific intent.

The New York Times

The evidence in this record also satisfies the requirement of specific intent.

The New York Times

Most definitions I've seen don't require that there be specific intent behind the copying.

The New York Times

The latter "means they were not found to form the specific intent required for the crime," Ms. Sherlock said.

The New York Times

Instead, he maintained that the only prohibited purpose under Section 5 is the specific intent to cause backsliding.

The New York Times

We have to show that there was specific intent to do the crime with the requisite state of mind".

The New York Times

But the bikini, in its pomp, represented fun and relaxation, semi-nudity without specific intent beyond that to read and doze and gossip and eat ice-creams.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Ablin did say, however, that "acting with the specific intent of causing prolonged mental harm" would be illegal under United States and international law.

The New York Times - Health

But one section describes a loophole stating that an interrogator would not violate the law against torture unless he has a "specific intent" to cause severe pain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific intent" in situations when you need to emphasize the intentional and purposeful nature of an action, especially when distinguishing it from accidental or unintentional outcomes.

Common error

Avoid confusing "specific intent" with "general intent". "Specific intent" requires proving the actor intended a particular result, while "general intent" only requires proving the actor intended the act itself, regardless of the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific intent" functions primarily as a noun phrase within legal and formal contexts. It describes a particular state of mind or purpose behind an action, distinguishing it from general intent or negligence. As Ludwig points out, "specific intent" is about achieving a particular result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specific intent" is a commonly used term, especially in legal and formal contexts, to denote a particular mental state or purpose behind an action. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent use in defining accountability. When writing about this phrase, avoid confusing it with similar concepts like "general intent" and always provide clear context to ensure its accurate interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically used in legal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberate intention

Emphasizes the conscious and premeditated nature of the intent.

express purpose

Highlights the clear and declared aim behind an action.

conscious design

Focuses on the awareness and planning involved in creating something.

targeted objective

Stresses the precise and focused nature of the goal.

calculated aim

Implies a careful and strategic approach to achieving a goal.

premeditated plan

Highlights the advance planning and consideration involved.

intentional design

Focuses on the design being deliberate and not accidental.

determined objective

Highlights resolve and purposefulness in pursuing the objective.

particular intention

Emphasizes that intent is aimed at a defined thing.

purposeful action

Highlights a clear sense of purpose behind the action.

FAQs

How is "specific intent" typically proven in court?

Proving "specific intent" often relies on circumstantial evidence, such as the defendant's statements, actions leading up to the event, and any prior history that demonstrates a pattern of similar behavior. Direct evidence of intent is rare.

What is the difference between "specific intent" and motive?

"Specific intent" refers to the mental state required to commit a crime, focusing on the intended outcome. Motive, on the other hand, is the reason why someone committed the act. Motive is not an element of a crime that needs to be proven, but specific intent is.

What are some crimes that require "specific intent"?

Examples of crimes requiring "specific intent" include burglary (intent to commit a crime inside), forgery (intent to defraud), and some forms of assault (intent to cause serious bodily harm). Each crime's definition specifies the required intent.

If someone is intoxicated, can they still form "specific intent"?

Voluntary intoxication can sometimes be a defense to crimes requiring "specific intent", as it may negate the ability to form the required mental state. However, this defense is not available for crimes requiring only general intent.