well intended

USAGE SUMMARY

'well intended' is correct and usable in written English.
You use this phrase to indicate that something was done with good intentions, even though it may have ended up being unsuccessful. For example: "My well intended attempt to fix the problem only created more issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

SERVICE: Well intended but beleaguered.

The New York Times - Food

"In some cases, it's well intended".

The New York Times

Speeches, however well intended, are not enough.

The New York Times

"It may have been well intended.

The New York Times

There's no doubt that the proposed reforms are well intended.

The New Yorker

Such reform, though well intended, is premature at best.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

However well-intended her advice, my takeaway was simple.

Huffington Post

The well-intended scheme was not working.

The Economist

However well-intended, these are violations.

The New York Times

Well-intended public policy, second.

The New York Times

Even well-intended assumptions can backfire.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well intended" when you want to emphasize that an action was done with good intentions, even if it had negative consequences. This can soften criticism or provide context for understanding the actor's motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "well intended" as an excuse for poor execution or harmful outcomes. Acknowledge the negative consequences and focus on learning from the experience, rather than solely emphasizing the good intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well intended" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe the quality of the intention behind an action, plan, or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase indicates good intentions, even if the outcome is not successful. It serves to provide context or soften criticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "well intended" serves to highlight positive motivations behind actions, even when outcomes are less than ideal. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically sound and used to express good intentions that may not always lead to success. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts. While "well-intentioned" is a close synonym, understanding the phrase's purpose—to emphasize motivation—is key to effective communication. Remember that while good intentions are important, they don't excuse poor results; acknowledge and learn from any negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-intentioned

This alternative is a synonym of "well intended", using a hyphenated form.

with good intentions

This alternative is a more descriptive phrase expressing the same meaning.

with the best of intentions

This alternative emphasizes that the intentions were particularly good.

motivated by good intentions

This alternative emphasizes the motivation behind the action.

meant to do good

This alternative is a simpler, more direct way of expressing the idea.

aimed at a positive outcome

This alternative focuses on the desired result of the action.

inspired by goodwill

This alternative focuses on the positive feeling that prompted the action.

done in good faith

This alternative suggests honesty and sincerity in the action.

driven by benevolent motives

This alternative uses more formal language to express good intentions.

with altruistic goals

This alternative highlights selfless intentions.

FAQs

How can I use "well intended" in a sentence?

You can use "well intended" to describe actions or policies that were designed to have a positive effect, even if they failed. For example, "The "well-intended policy" had unforeseen consequences."

What is a synonym for "well intended"?

A close synonym is "well-intentioned". Both terms emphasize good intentions, though slight differences in formality might exist depending on the context.

Is it better to say "well intended" or "well intentioned"?

Both "well intended" and "well-intentioned" are acceptable, but "well-intentioned" is more commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What does it mean when someone says something is "well intended but misguided"?

It means that the action or idea was based on good intentions, but it was based on faulty reasoning or a misunderstanding of the situation. This often leads to "unintended consequences".