with an intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'with an intention' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is being done with a specific purpose or goal in mind. For example, "She went to the store with an intention to buy a new pair of shoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Only possession in a custodial institution (with an intention to use the poppers) is an offence.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I do not produce art with an intention to hurt, humiliate or insult".

The Guardian

The fliers were taken down, but with an intention to put them back eventually on display.

The New York Times

Anselm accepted the position somewhat reluctantly but with an intention of reforming the English Church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You could see kids with their dads and they came with curiosity, but also with an intention to work hard.

The Guardian - Sport

This suggests that the voice-hearer takes there to be a speaker behind the voice, with an intention to communicate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

An incremental analysis should be conducted with an intention-to-treat approach, complemented by relevant subgroup analyses.

Value in Health

Data were analyzed with an intention-to-treat approach.

Annals of Intensive Care

The analysis was conducted with an intention-to-treat approach.

Critical Care

Our data were analyzed with an intention-to-treat approach.

Acta Orthopaedica

Data were calculated with an intention-to-treat analysis.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with an intention", ensure that the intention is clearly linked to the action being described to maintain clarity. For example, 'She approached the negotiation with an intention to find common ground'.

Common error

Avoid using "with an intention" without specifying what the intention actually is. For instance, instead of saying 'He acted with an intention', specify the purpose: 'He acted with an intention to improve the team's performance'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with an intention" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the purpose or motivation behind an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage, affirming its role in specifying intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with an intention" is a versatile expression used to clearly convey the purpose or goal behind an action. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedia publications. Its primary function is adverbial, adding clarity by specifying the reason something is done. While generally neutral in register, ensuring the intention is clearly linked to the action enhances clarity. Common errors involve using the phrase vaguely without specifying the actual intention. By focusing on precision and context, "with an intention" serves as a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a purpose

Focuses more directly on the existence of a defined objective.

with a goal

Emphasizes the desired outcome or achievement.

in order to

Expresses intention by connecting an action to its intended result.

with the aim of

Highlights the specific target or objective of the action.

intending to

Uses a gerund to describe the act of intending, altering the grammatical structure.

with the objective of

Similar to 'with the aim of' but more formal, stressing the target is a defined objective.

for the purpose of

More emphatic about the intended use or function.

with a view to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of indicating intention.

on a mission to

Implies a more active and directed effort towards a specific goal.

motivated by

Focuses on the underlying reason or drive behind the action.

FAQs

How can I use "with an intention" in a sentence?

Use "with an intention" to describe an action done with a specific purpose or aim in mind. For example, 'She studied hard with an intention of getting a good grade'.

What are some alternatives to "with an intention"?

You can use alternatives such as "with a purpose", "in order to", or "with the aim of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "with an intention of" or "with the intention of"?

Both "with an intention of" and "with the intention of" are grammatically correct, but "with the intention of" is generally considered more formal and may sound more polished in certain contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "with an intention" and "intending to"?

"With an intention" is a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, while "intending to" is a gerund phrase. They convey similar meanings, but "with an intention" often emphasizes the reason behind the action more directly. For example, "He practiced daily with an intention to improve" versus "He, intending to improve, practiced daily".