spurious intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spurious intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe motives or purposes that are not genuine or are misleading. Example: "His spurious intentions became clear when he tried to manipulate the situation for his own benefit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When the Charter of the United Nations is respected and applied with transparency and sincerity, and without ulterior motives, as an obligatory reference point of justice and not as a means of masking spurious intentions, peaceful results will be obtained.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the validation of the model, Venkatesh et al. [26] found the observed relation between Attitude Toward Using Technology and Behavioral Intention to be spurious because both constructs are strongly affected by Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy.

Plosone

In summary, the fixed effects estimates show that the negative relationship between intermarriage and intentions to return is spurious.

IZA Journal of Migration

To avoid spurious associations due to multiple-comparison testing [ 46], a final model on the association between intention to feed and all TPB measures altogether was adjusted only for potential confounders that showed a significant association with intention (ethnicity, education, and receiving means-tested benefits).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

How spurious.

The Guardian

His logic is spurious.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, they are spurious.

Independent

Both pretexts are spurious.

The Economist

BOGUS: counterfeit, spurious, sham.

The Economist

But this is spurious.

The Guardian - Books

"Overwroughtness in spurious form".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spurious intentions", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of genuineness or an intent to deceive. Avoid using it in situations where the intentions are simply misguided or poorly thought out, rather than deliberately dishonest.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "spurious intentions" when "misguided intentions" or "unrealistic expectations" would be more accurate. "Spurious" implies a deliberate attempt to mislead, not just a lack of competence or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spurious intentions" functions as an adjective-noun combination. It modifies a noun, in this case, "intentions", by ascribing to it the attribute of being "spurious", that is, not genuine or true. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where deceit or lack of authenticity is implied.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spurious intentions" is a grammatically correct term used to describe motives or purposes that are not genuine or are misleading. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use appears in news media and scientific contexts, suggesting a level of formality. While not overly common, understanding the nuance of "spurious" is crucial to avoid misapplication. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the implication of deliberate deception, as opposed to simple error or misjudgment. Consider alternatives like "insincere motives" or "ulterior motives" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ulterior motives

Focuses on hidden, often self-serving reasons behind actions, implying a lack of transparency.

insincere motives

Replaces both words with synonyms that capture the lack of genuineness but focuses more directly on motives.

deceptive aims

Substitutes "intentions" with "aims" and "spurious" with "deceptive", emphasizing the misleading nature of the goals.

fraudulent purposes

Highlights the dishonest and illegal aspect of the intentions, suggesting a deliberate intent to deceive for gain.

misguided intentions

Replaces "spurious" with "misguided", suggesting good intentions that are wrongly directed, differing from the deceit implied by "spurious".

dishonest designs

Emphasizes the planning and scheming behind the false intentions using a more formal term.

false pretenses

Emphasizes the act of pretending or giving a misleading appearance, shifting focus from inner intentions to outward display.

contrived purposes

Highlights the artificial and unnatural nature of the intentions, suggesting they are not genuine or organic.

malicious schemes

Emphasizes the harmful or evil intent behind the plans, adding a stronger negative connotation.

empty promises

Shifts the focus to the promises made based on the intentions, highlighting their lack of substance or sincerity.

FAQs

How can I use "spurious intentions" in a sentence?

You can use "spurious intentions" to describe actions where the underlying motives are dishonest or deceitful. For example: "His claim of helping the community was undermined by his "spurious intentions", as he was secretly profiting from the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "spurious intentions"?

Alternatives include "insincere motives", "ulterior motives", or "deceptive aims". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "spurious intentions" and "misguided intentions"?

"Spurious intentions" implies a deliberate deception or dishonesty, while "misguided intentions" suggests that the intentions are simply based on flawed judgment or incorrect information. The former is malicious, the latter is simply wrong.

Is it appropriate to use "spurious intentions" in formal writing?

Yes, "spurious intentions" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing topics related to ethics, politics, or business, where the honesty and integrity of motives are being questioned.