with evil intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with evil intentions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are motivated by malice or a desire to cause harm. Example: "He approached the situation with evil intentions, hoping to manipulate the outcome to his advantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I believe that we will be able to resolve this issue without any intervention by those with evil intentions".

The New York Times

He said he envisioned the roadside chapel as a place where people with "evil intentions" could stop and purge their minds.

The New York Times

As Ingrid Newkirk, president of PETA, puts it, "Cats are at risk of disease, being hit by cars, running afoul of people with evil intentions who will harm them, dog attacks, rabies and more if left outside".

The New York Times - Magazine

But when he and his partner (Bryce Dallas Howard) realize they've delivered the raptor to agents with evil intentions, their mission shifts.

Los Angeles Times

But time and again, random people -- not trained terrorists with evil intentions -- have climbed airport fences and had easy access to planes.

Los Angeles Times

Though Putana came with evil intentions, she is portrayed as being happy to see Krishna and her maternal instinct rises, telling her "Take this lovely boy to your breast.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Then, just as he notices a pair of curlews mating on the banks of the stream, a hunter (with evil intention) shoots the male bird and the female bird's wrenching cries of grief fill the air.

Huffington Post

Doing something with evil intent is very different than doing something because you made a poor decision with good intentions.

Vice

But he said he was told by law enforcement officials that doing so would prompt a flood of people, including some with "very evil intentions," to rush into the United States before the restrictions took effect.

The New York Times

Mr Trump said on Wednesday that speed was necessary in implementing the ban because otherwise a "whole pile of bad people, perhaps with very evil intentions" would enter the country before border restrictions tightened.

BBC

With his evil intentions revealed, the two camps cease battling, and Monroe quietly leaves Painted Springs.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "with evil intentions", ensure the context clearly establishes the malicious nature of the intent. The phrase is most effective when describing deliberate actions aimed at causing harm or suffering.

Common error

Avoid using "with evil intentions" to describe simple mistakes or actions driven by ignorance. Reserve the phrase for scenarios involving deliberate malice and a clear desire to cause significant harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with evil intentions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the manner in which an action is performed. It describes the state of mind or motivation behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing malicious motivations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with evil intentions" serves to express malicious intent behind actions. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct, functioning as an adverbial phrase to describe the manner of an action. While "evil" carries an emotional charge, the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, commonly found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as ""with malicious intent"" or ""with sinister motives"" offer similar connotations with slightly varying nuances. When using this phrase, it's vital to ensure the context clearly establishes the deliberate and harmful nature of the intent, reserving it for scenarios involving genuine malice rather than simple mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with malicious intent

Emphasizes the presence of malice or spite as the driving force.

with malevolent purpose

Highlights the dark and sinister nature of the intention.

with nefarious designs

Focuses on the carefully crafted and wicked plans.

with sinister motives

Points to the underlying and potentially hidden reasons for the action.

with wicked aims

Stresses the immoral and reprehensible objectives.

with harmful purposes

Highlights the intention to cause damage or injury.

with destructive goals

Emphasizes the aim to tear down or ruin something.

with treacherous objectives

Suggests deceit and betrayal in the planning.

with villainous intent

Associates the intention with the characteristics of a villain.

with dark designs

Implies secrecy and hidden, malevolent plans.

FAQs

How can I use "with evil intentions" in a sentence?

Use "with evil intentions" to describe actions motivated by malice or a desire to cause harm. For example, "The villain approached the negotiation "with evil intentions", seeking to sabotage the agreement."

What are some alternatives to "with evil intentions"?

You can use alternatives like "with malicious intent", "with nefarious designs", or "with sinister motives" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "with evil intent" instead of "with evil intentions"?

Yes, "with evil intent" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning. "Intent" is often used as a singular, abstract noun, while "intentions" suggests specific planned actions.

What's the difference between "with bad intentions" and "with evil intentions"?

"With bad intentions" implies a general lack of good will or a selfish motive. "With evil intentions", on the other hand, suggests a deeper level of malice and a desire to cause significant harm or suffering. The latter carries a stronger connotation of wickedness.