B1noun2K

Intention

UK /["/ɪnˈtenʃn/"]/US /["/ɪnˈtenʃn/"]/

Definition

what you intend or plan to do; your aim

In simple words: What you plan to do.

Examples

  • She always follows her intention to help others in need.
  • His intention was to make peace, but it didn’t turn out that way.
  • The intention behind her words was misunderstood by everyone.
  • My main intention for this project is to increase awareness of climate change.
  • He had good intentions, yet his actions caused problems.

Usage notes

Use 'intention' when discussing plans or goals. It's appropriate in most situations, but more formal than casual conversation. Avoid in slang-heavy contexts.

Grammar pattern

have + intention + to + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'in-tent-shun' — imagine setting up a tent with a clear purpose.

Collocations

  • 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

Synonyms

  • purpose
  • goal
  • aim
  • plan
  • objective

Antonyms

  • unintended
  • accidental
  • random

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'intention' with 'attention'.
  • Saying 'intention to do' instead of 'intention of doing'.
  • Using it without a verb after it.