true intention

USAGE SUMMARY

"true intention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a person's honest and sincere motive or goal that lies behind their words or actions. For example: "He promised to help, but I could not tell if his true intention was to be helpful or if he was just trying to get something from me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maʿarrī's true intention in writing this book is unknown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The true intention is to borrow a state of being.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His lawyer argued that he had no true intention of having his accuser killed.

The New York Times

A digital recreation has been made showing Van Gogh's true intention.

The Guardian - Arts

In my opinion, that interpretation is the one that reveals the true intention of the parties to the contract.

Harvard University

It could also hamper negotiations by playing into Iranian fears that America's true intention is to promote regime change.

The New York Times

I think all of us have been asking each other, what is the Israeli government's true intention right now?

The Washington Post

The state comptroller's office has disputed that view, saying the Legislature's true intention was to bolster 911 services.

The New York Times

By reassuring them of the company's true intention, the director of manufacturing reduced tension in the plants.

Harvard Business Review

There may be satirical elements in Iolanthe or Utopia Limited, but Gilbert's true intention is never to draw specific parallels.

The Guardian - Music

The true intention of the authorities in conducting village elections is to improve government at the lowest level.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing someone's actions, consider the context and available evidence to infer their "true intention" accurately. Avoid jumping to conclusions based on assumptions.

Common error

Avoid assuming you know someone's "true intention" without sufficient evidence. This can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate judgments. Consider multiple perspectives and potential motivations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true intention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its frequent appearance in varied sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true intention" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase that serves to reveal the real motive behind actions or statements. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears commonly in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts. While it maintains a generally neutral register, the interpretation of "true intention" requires careful analysis and contextual awareness. Avoid assuming intent without evidence to prevent misinterpretations. Overall, "true intention" offers a nuanced way to explore the underlying motivations driving human behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere intention

Emphasizes the honesty and genuineness of the intention.

real motive

Highlights the underlying reason or cause, often implying a hidden or less obvious purpose.

actual purpose

Focuses on the authentic aim or goal, setting aside any perceived or stated objectives.

true motive

Similar to real motive, but emphasizes authenticity.

genuine desire

Stresses the heartfelt and authentic nature of the wanting or aspiration.

underlying objective

Points to the fundamental goal that may not be immediately apparent.

core aim

Highlights the central and most important objective.

ultimate aim

Highlights the final, overarching objective, often achieved after a series of steps.

hidden agenda

Implies a concealed and potentially manipulative intention.

secret goal

Emphasizes that the objective is not openly declared or known.

FAQs

What does "true intention" mean?

The phrase "true intention" refers to the real and underlying motive or purpose behind someone's actions, words, or decisions. It's about understanding the authentic aim, which may not always be explicitly stated or immediately obvious.

How can I identify someone's "true intention"?

Identifying someone's "true intention" involves careful observation, critical thinking, and analysis of the available evidence. Consider their past behavior, the context of their actions, and any potential biases or hidden agendas. Be aware that it's often challenging to know someone's intent with absolute certainty.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "true intention"?

You can use alternatives like "sincere intention", "real motive", or "actual purpose" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to uncover someone's "true intention"?

While understanding someone's "true intention" can be helpful in many situations, it's not always necessary or even possible. Focus on the impact of their actions and communicate effectively, even if their underlying motive remains unclear.