with good intentions

USAGE SUMMARY

"with good intentions" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing how something was done or when expressing someone's motives. Example: She left with good intentions, hoping to help her family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We start with good intentions.

The New York Times

They came in with good intentions.

Independent

[It was] evil with good intentions".

Independent

We're doing it with good intentions.

The New York Times

Maybe it starts with good intentions.

The Washington Post

These amenities generally start with good intentions.

Harvard Business Review

We are mostly left with good intentions.

The New York Times - Arts

Ivan Illich (1968) To Hell With Good Intentions.

Stanford University

The idea of a study buddy comes with good intentions.

Stanford University

I began with good intentions, but I quickly fell asleep.

The New Yorker

The road to exhaustion is often paved with good intentions.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with good intentions" to soften criticism when actions have unintended negative consequences. For example, "The project, though executed "with good intentions", ultimately failed to meet its objectives."

Common error

Avoid using "with good intentions" as a blanket justification for failure. Ensure that actions are backed by thorough planning and competence, not just well-meaning motives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with good intentions" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with good intentions" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe actions motivated by positive aims, even when those actions don't lead to the desired results. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While it's useful for softening criticism or providing context, it's important to avoid overusing it as an excuse for poor planning or execution. Remember that effective action requires both positive motives and competence. Alternatives like "with noble aims" or "with well-meaning motives" can provide similar meanings "with good intentions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with well-meaning motives

Directly states the positive and caring motivation.

with the best of motives

Emphasizes the quality and positivity of the motivation.

with positive intent

Shortens the phrase while keeping the core meaning.

with honorable motives

Emphasizes the honor and integrity behind the motivation.

with noble aims

Focuses specifically on the nobility of the goals.

with benevolent purposes

Highlights the kindness and well-meaning nature of the aims.

with kind objectives

Highlights the kind and considerate nature of the goals.

with altruistic desires

Emphasizes selfless concern for others.

with charitable goals

Focuses on the charitable nature of the intended outcomes.

in good faith

Suggests honesty and sincerity in one's actions or beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "with good intentions" to describe actions or decisions that were made with positive motives, even if they didn't achieve the desired outcome. For example, "She tried to help "with good intentions", but her efforts backfired".

What are some alternatives to "with good intentions"?

You can use alternatives like "with noble aims", "with honorable motives", or "with well-meaning motives" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to act "with good intentions"?

While having good intentions is generally positive, it's important to recognize that actions can still have negative consequences, regardless of the initial motives. Effective action requires both good intentions and careful planning.

What's the difference between "with good intentions" and "in good faith"?

"With good intentions" focuses on the motivation behind an action, while "in good faith" implies honesty and sincerity in one's dealings. The former emphasizes the desire to do good, while the latter emphasizes integrity and trustworthiness.