Cool MateIntent vs Intention
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Intent
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Intention
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
| Intent | Intention | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈtent/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈtent/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈtenʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈtenʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | What you plan or want to do. | What you plan to do. |
| Example | She denies possessing the drug with intent to supply. | She always follows her intention to help others in need. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | clear intent, malicious intent, express intent, stated intent, intent to marry | original, declared, stated, have, announce, declare, with an/the intention of, intention behind, intention by, the best intentions, good intentions, have every intention of doing something |
| Antonyms | indifference, unconcern, apathy | unintended, accidental, random |
| Common mistakes | 'Intent' is confused with 'intention' — 'intention' is the more common noun., Using 'intents' as a plural — 'intent' is usually used as singular., Mixing it up with 'interest' — they have different meanings. | Confusing 'intention' with 'attention'., Saying 'intention to do' instead of 'intention of doing'., Using it without a verb after it. |
| Usage notes | Use 'intent' in formal contexts when discussing plans or purposes. It sounds more serious than 'wish' or 'want'. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'intention' when discussing plans or goals. It's appropriate in most situations, but more formal than casual conversation. Avoid in slang-heavy contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Intent vs Intention
What's the difference between Intent and Intention?
Intent: What you plan or want to do. Intention: What you plan to do.
Which is more advanced: Intent and Intention?
Intent is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Intent and Intention the same CEFR level?
Intent: C1, Intention: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Intent and Intention?
Intent: noun, Intention: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Intent: She denies possessing the drug with intent to supply. Intention: She always follows her intention to help others in need.
Can I use Intent and Intention interchangeably?
Not always. Intent and Intention are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.