utmost intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utmost intention" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when expressing the highest level of intention or purpose behind an action or statement. Example: "With the utmost intention to help, she volunteered her time at the local shelter."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He seems to have been cooperative in at least trying to meet our immediate concerns, but I still feel uncomfortable about what his utmost intentions may be".

The New York Times

Experimenter bias is a well-researched phenomenon that shows that even people of the utmost integrity and good intentions are swayed in their judgments by various factors, including who pays them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Howden, accompanied by the chair of British Cycling's Ethics Commission, Dr Gilbert George, was the MPs hors d'oeuvre and appeared to know little but with the best of intentions and the utmost attention to process.

The Guardian - Sport

In the same way, according to Barnett, the humanitarian actor interferes in the recipient's life, even if with the best of intentions and the utmost of care.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Jonathan Rosenbaum compared A.I. to Solaris (1972), and praised both "Kubrick for proposing that Spielberg direct the project and Spielberg for doing his utmost to respect Kubrick's intentions while making it a profoundly personal work".

Wikipedia

While Dyer's husband and those unsympathetic to her labelled her as having a "madness", it is clear from her letters and her spoken words that her purpose and intentions were displayed with the utmost clarity of mind.

Wikipedia

A paradox of modern opera performance is that while conductors strive for the utmost fidelity to the composers' musical intentions, with or without period performance practice, many stage directors play fast and loose with the librettists' (and the composers') dramatic intentions.

The New York Times

Allied intentions on issues of utmost importance to the Japanese, including whether Hirohito was to be regarded as one of those who had "misled the people of Japan" or even a war criminal, or alternatively, whether the Emperor might become part of a "peacefully inclined and responsible government" were thus left unstated.

Wikipedia

Lavenstein said: "It's our intention to honor the contract; he has the utmost respect for the Giants.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, the scientific background as well as the political intentions and assumptions under which the criteria have been derived are of utmost significance.

Environmental Sciences Europe

In a statement, the studios said the 3-D conversion is "being done with utmost respect for the source material, and with a keen eye for both technological considerations and artistic intentions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utmost intention" when you want to emphasize the exceptional degree of purpose or determination behind an action. For instance, "It was his "utmost intention" to ensure everyone's safety" conveys a very strong commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "utmost intention" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it sounds slightly formal and might be perceived as unnatural in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "main goal" or "biggest aim".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utmost intention" functions primarily as a noun phrase that modifies or describes a particular intention, emphasizing its supreme or highest degree. Ludwig indicates that while grammatically correct, the phrase is not exceedingly common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utmost intention" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to emphasize a high degree of purpose or determination. While not exceedingly common, as Ludwig points out, it conveys a strong commitment and sincerity. The phrase is more suited for neutral to formal contexts and can be replaced with alternatives like "highest aim" or "primary objective" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of formality aligns with your audience and writing style to avoid sounding unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost objective

Replaces intention with a synonym to maintain a similar tone.

highest aim

Emphasizes the elevated nature of the goal.

primary objective

Highlights the main goal or purpose.

chief aspiration

Focuses on a strong desire or ambition.

deepest purpose

Suggests a fundamental and profound reason.

greatest desire

Emphasizes the strength of wanting something.

ultimate goal

Highlights the final and most important objective.

paramount objective

Indicates that the objective is of the highest importance.

principal intent

Focuses on the main purpose or plan.

foremost aim

Highlights the priority or leading goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "utmost intention" to emphasize the high degree of purpose behind an action. For example: "With the "utmost intention" of helping others, she volunteered at the homeless shelter."

What's the difference between "utmost intention" and "best intention"?

"Utmost intention" implies a higher degree of purpose and determination compared to "best intention", which simply means having good motives.

What are some alternatives to "utmost intention"?

Some alternatives include "highest aim", "primary objective", or "deepest purpose", depending on the context.

Is "utmost intention" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "utmost intention" is not as common as other similar phrases. Ludwig suggests that its usage may sound slightly awkward, but its meaning is generally clear.