underlying intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying intention" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to what someone wants to accomplish, even if they are not expressing it openly. For example, you could say, "The speaker's underlying intention was to persuade the audience to vote for their candidate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

When leaders focus on the goals and intended outcomes of the practice, it creates space for workers to adapt the practice to the cultural context while still realizing the underlying intention.

Harvard Business Review

However, we believe that the underlying intention of our Science paper has been seriously misinterpreted, and there are several inaccuracies in their review that are important to clarify and correct.

Stanford University

A research-based model incorporating the psychology-based theory of planned behavior (TPB) was proposed to obtain a better understanding of motivational factors underlying intention to engage in OFFS practices.

Journal of Rural Studies

The first comparison is of the oval or circle motif in Renoir's "Madame Renoir" and the couplet verse of Coffin's "The Secret Heart". Both devices denote a sense of completeness or oneness which correlates directly with the underlying intention of each artist.

Yale University

Our underlying intention was to find out if quick-play gaming would be possible in 360.

BBC

Simply put, it reveals his underlying intention, after moving to the capital of Paris, to overcome his personal hick complex through reinterpretation of symbolic bourgeois values.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Whatever its underlying intentions, the celebration was an admirably achieved affair.

The New York Times

If the goal, for example, is to create a dialogue-based problem-solving system for circuit fault diagnosis, emergency response, medical contingencies, or vacation planning, then an approach based on logical (or at least symbolic) representations of the dialogue, underlying intentions, and relevant constraints and knowledge is at present the only viable option.

SEP

Furthermore, some participants plead for more attention for underlying intentions and justifications of treatment decisions.

BMC Medical Ethics

This may impact on the format and underlying intentions of implementation, such as the enhancement of attention, well-being, and academic performance in the Western context, in contrast to the encouragement of cognitive flexibility and creativity in some Asian cultures.

Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience

Six studies identified the motivations underlying the intention to practice euthanasia, 16 the behavior itself and 5 both intention and behavior.

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing actions or statements, consider what the "underlying intention" might be, as it often provides a deeper understanding than surface-level interpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "underlying intention" automatically justifies or excuses negative outcomes. Focus on evaluating the intention separately from its results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying intention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a motive, goal, or purpose that is not immediately apparent or explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying intention" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a hidden or not-so-obvious motive behind an action or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears in diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. It's used to analyze and interpret beyond the surface, and while it can suggest hidden motives, it isn't inherently negative. While there are related phrases such as "hidden motive" and "real purpose", it’s crucial to differentiate the phrase from the "stated intention", which is the openly declared purpose. When using this phrase, be sure to evaluate it separately from the outcome to avoid conflating intention with results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real purpose

Focuses on the genuineness and actuality of the intention.

true aim

Highlights the authenticity and targeted nature of the intention.

unstated purpose

Focuses on the fact that the purpose is not openly communicated.

hidden motive

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the intention.

implicit goal

Emphasizes that the goal is implied rather than explicitly stated.

driving force

Stresses the motivational aspect of the intention.

veiled intent

Emphasizes the concealed or disguised nature of the intention.

covert objective

Highlights the secretive and strategic aspect of the intention.

secret agenda

Suggests a more clandestine and planned intention.

subliminal motivation

Highlights the unconscious nature of the intention.

FAQs

How can I use "underlying intention" in a sentence?

You can use "underlying intention" to describe a hidden or less obvious purpose behind an action or statement. For example: "The politician's speech appeared to be about unity, but the underlying intention was to solidify his power base."

What's a more formal synonym for "underlying intention"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "implicit goal" or "covert objective" to convey a similar meaning to "underlying intention".

Is it always negative to have an "underlying intention"?

Not necessarily. While "underlying intention" can suggest a hidden or manipulative motive, it can also simply refer to a less obvious or unstated purpose that is not inherently negative.

How does "underlying intention" differ from "stated intention"?

"Underlying intention" refers to the true, perhaps unspoken, aim. "Stated intention", on the other hand, is the purpose that is openly declared, which may or may not align with the "underlying intention".