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B1 noun #4 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

intentions

Top 4

At the A1 level, 'intentions' is a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'what you want to do' or 'your plans.' Imagine you have a plan to go to the park. That plan is your intention. If you want to be nice to a friend, that is a 'good intention.' At this level, you don't need to use the word often, but it is helpful to recognize it. You might see it in simple stories where a character has a 'good' or 'bad' idea. Just remember: Intentions = Plans in your head. For example, if you say 'I want to help,' your intention is to help. It is about what is inside your mind before you do something. It is like a seed before a flower grows. The seed is the intention, and the flower is what you actually do. If you have good seeds, you hope to have good flowers!

At the A2 level, you can start using 'intentions' to talk about your goals and plans more clearly. It is a noun that means 'what you mean to do.' You often hear it with the word 'good.' For example, 'He has good intentions.' This means he is a good person who wants to do the right thing, even if he makes a mistake. You can also use it to explain why you did something. If you accidentally broke a glass, you could say, 'It wasn't my intention to break it.' This tells people that it was an accident. It is a very useful word for being polite and explaining your feelings. You might also see it in simple news stories about what a famous person 'intends' to do. Remember, 'intentions' are plural (more than one), and 'intention' is singular (just one).

At the B1 level, 'intentions' is an important word for discussing motivations and social situations. You should be able to use it in phrases like 'with the intention of' or 'to have no intention of.' For example, 'I joined the gym with the intention of getting fit.' This shows a clear purpose. You will also encounter it in more complex social contexts, such as discussing someone's 'hidden intentions.' This means they are saying one thing but planning another. At this level, you are moving beyond simple plans and starting to look at the 'why' behind people's behavior. You can use 'intentions' to describe business goals, personal resolutions, or legal ideas. It is a more formal and precise word than 'plans' or 'wants,' and using it correctly will make your English sound more professional and thoughtful.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between 'intentions,' 'motives,' and 'objectives.' 'Intentions' specifically refers to the conscious commitment to an action. You will see this word used frequently in literature, news analysis, and formal reports. You should be comfortable using it to discuss abstract concepts, such as 'authorial intentions' in a book or the 'intentions of a government policy.' You will also notice it in idiomatic expressions like 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions.' This level requires you to understand that intentions can be misunderstood, stated, or hidden. You should be able to use the word to construct complex arguments about morality or strategy. For instance, you might argue that a person's intentions are more important than the final result of their actions in a debate about ethics.

At the C1 level, you are expected to master the subtle legal and philosophical implications of 'intentions.' You will encounter the word in academic texts, legal documents, and high-level journalism. You should understand the distinction between 'intent' (the legal term for a state of mind) and 'intentions' (the general term for plans). You will also explore the concept of 'intentionality' in philosophy—the idea that consciousness is always directed toward something. In your own writing, you should use 'intentions' to add depth to your analysis of characters, historical figures, or political movements. You might discuss the 'discrepancy between stated intentions and actual outcomes.' At this level, the word is not just about what someone wants to do, but about the complex interplay of will, planning, and social perception.

At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of 'intentions' in all its forms, including its use in highly specialized fields like jurisprudence, phenomenology, and literary theory. You can use the word to discuss the 'intentional fallacy' in literary criticism—the idea that an author's intentions are irrelevant to the meaning of a text. You are comfortable with the most formal and archaic uses of the word and can use it with absolute precision in complex rhetorical structures. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots and how its meaning has shifted in different cultural contexts. Whether you are drafting a legal brief, writing a philosophical treatise, or engaging in high-level diplomatic negotiations, you use 'intentions' as a precise instrument to describe the most subtle movements of the human will.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

intentions en 30 secondes

Intentions are the mental plans and purposes that guide our actions and behaviors in daily life.
The word is commonly used to distinguish between deliberate choices and accidental occurrences in social and legal contexts.
Commonly paired with adjectives like 'good,' 'bad,' 'hidden,' or 'clear' to describe the nature of someone's goals.
Understanding intentions is crucial for effective communication, building trust, and evaluating the moral character of others.

The word intentions is a plural noun that serves as the foundation for understanding human agency and motivation. At its core, an intention is a mental state in which an individual commits themselves to a particular course of action. When we talk about intentions, we are peering into the internal map of a person's mind to see where they are planning to go, rather than just looking at where they have already been. It is the 'why' behind the 'what.' In social contexts, understanding someone's intentions is often more important than the action itself. For instance, if someone bumps into you on the street, your reaction depends entirely on whether you perceive their intentions as accidental or malicious. This word is ubiquitous in English because it bridges the gap between thought and deed, allowing us to discuss plans, goals, and moral character.

Core Concept: The internal purpose or goal that precedes an action.

In professional settings, intentions are often formalized. A 'Letter of Intent' is a common legal and business document that outlines the preliminary commitment of one party to do business with another. Here, the word moves from the abstract realm of thought into a concrete, though not yet legally binding, declaration of future behavior. People use this word to clarify their positions, to defend their mistakes, or to express their long-term visions. When a manager asks about your career intentions, they are not asking what you did yesterday; they are asking what you aim to achieve in the coming years. This forward-looking nature makes 'intentions' a vital tool for planning and coordination in any collaborative environment.

Despite the project's failure, her intentions were clearly focused on improving team efficiency.

Philosophically, intentions are a major topic of study. Ethicists often debate whether the morality of an act is determined by its outcome or by the intentions of the actor. This is where the famous proverb 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions' comes from. It suggests that even if someone has the best possible goals in mind, if they do not execute them properly or if the consequences are disastrous, the goodness of the intention does not matter. Conversely, in criminal law, the 'intent' (the singular form often used as a legal term) is frequently the deciding factor between different levels of crime, such as manslaughter versus murder. Thus, the word carries significant weight in how we judge ourselves and others.

Social Nuance: Intentions are often private; we must communicate them clearly to avoid being misunderstood by others.

In everyday conversation, we use 'intentions' to soften the blow of a mistake. If you accidentally offend a friend, you might say, 'That wasn't my intention.' This shifts the focus from the negative impact of your words to the positive or neutral state of your mind. It is a plea for empathy. Furthermore, the word is used to describe the general direction of a person's life. We speak of people having 'noble intentions' or 'honorable intentions,' which paints a picture of their overall character as someone who strives for the good of others. It is a deeply human word because it acknowledges that we are not just biological machines reacting to stimuli, but conscious beings with the power to plan and aim for specific futures.

He entered the negotiation with the best of intentions, hoping to find a solution that benefited everyone.

Finally, the word is often used in the context of artistic creation. Critics frequently discuss the 'authorial intentions' of a writer or director. They ask: What was the artist trying to say? What was the purpose behind this specific choice of color or word? This highlights that intentions are the seeds of all creative acts. Whether in art, law, business, or personal relationships, the word 'intentions' allows us to explore the hidden motivations that drive the visible world. It is a word of depth, complexity, and essential human connection.

Using the word intentions correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a plural noun and its typical collocations. It is most frequently used with adjectives that describe the quality of the aim, such as 'good,' 'bad,' 'clear,' 'hidden,' or 'noble.' When you use 'intentions,' you are usually referring to a set of plans or a general state of mind regarding a future action. For example, 'She has every intention of finishing the marathon' uses the singular form 'intention' in a fixed phrase, but 'Her intentions were misunderstood' uses the plural to describe the various aspects of her plan.

Grammar Tip: 'Intentions' is almost always followed by the preposition 'of' when followed by a gerund (e.g., intentions of going) or 'to' when using the singular 'intention' (e.g., intention to go).

One of the most common ways to use this word is in the phrase 'with the intention of.' This phrase acts as a complex preposition meaning 'for the purpose of.' For instance, 'He went to the library with the intention of studying all night.' In this context, the word explains the motivation behind the physical action of going to the library. Another common structure is 'to have no intention of doing something,' which is a strong way to say you definitely will not do something. 'I have no intention of resigning' is much more formal and emphatic than saying 'I won't resign.'

The government announced its intentions to lower taxes by the end of the fiscal year.

In interpersonal relationships, 'intentions' often appears in questions about commitment. 'What are your intentions toward my daughter?' is a classic, albeit somewhat dated, example of a father asking a suitor about his long-term plans. In modern contexts, you might hear someone say, 'I'm not sure what his intentions are,' meaning they are confused about whether a person is being friendly or romantic. This usage highlights the word's role in navigating social ambiguity. By naming the 'intentions,' we attempt to make the invisible visible.

When discussing mistakes, the word is often paired with 'despite.' For example, 'Despite his good intentions, the surprise party was a total disaster.' This structure allows the speaker to acknowledge that the person's heart was in the right place even if the result was poor. It is a way of balancing criticism with kindness. Similarly, we often talk about 'hidden intentions' or 'ulterior motives.' If you suspect someone is doing something nice only to get something in return, you might say, 'I suspect she has hidden intentions.' This adds a layer of suspicion and depth to the description of their behavior.

Common Adjectives: Good, bad, clear, honorable, noble, hidden, original, peaceful, serious, stated.

In academic or formal writing, 'intentions' is used to describe the goals of a study or a policy. 'The intentions of this research are to identify the primary causes of climate change' is a formal way of stating the research objectives. It sounds more professional and deliberate than using 'aims' or 'goals' in some contexts, as it implies a conscious, planned effort. Whether you are writing a formal report or having a heart-to-heart conversation, 'intentions' provides the vocabulary needed to discuss the 'why' of human life.

It is difficult to judge the intentions of a historical figure without looking at the primary sources of their time.

You will encounter the word intentions in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from high-stakes legal dramas to casual coffee shop conversations. In the world of news and politics, it is a staple. Journalists often speculate on the 'intentions' of world leaders. For example, 'The international community is questioning the intentions of the regime following the recent troop movements.' In this context, the word is used to describe the perceived strategic goals of a nation or a political entity. It suggests that the visible actions are just the tip of the iceberg and that there is a deeper, perhaps more concerning, plan underneath.

In the News: Used to analyze the strategic moves of politicians, corporations, and foreign governments.

In the workplace, 'intentions' is a key word during performance reviews and strategic planning meetings. A manager might say, 'I'd like to hear more about your intentions for the marketing department next quarter.' This is an invitation for the employee to share their vision and specific plans. It is more formal than asking 'What do you want to do?' and it implies that the employee should have a well-thought-out strategy. You will also see it in corporate communications, such as 'The company has no intentions of raising prices at this time,' which serves as a reassuring statement to customers and shareholders.

During the interview, the CEO made her intentions clear: the company would prioritize sustainability over short-term profits.

Legal and police procedurals are another place where 'intentions' (or the singular 'intent') is heard constantly. In a courtroom drama, a lawyer might argue, 'The prosecution has failed to prove that my client had any criminal intentions.' This is a crucial point because, in many legal systems, the mental state of the accused is just as important as the act itself. If you watch shows like 'Law & Order' or 'Suits,' you will hear this word used to distinguish between an accident and a premeditated crime. It adds a layer of psychological depth to the legal arguments being presented.

In personal life, the word is often used in the context of dating and relationships. When someone says, 'I think he has good intentions,' they are defending a person's character, suggesting that even if the person is awkward or makes mistakes, they are fundamentally a good person. On the flip side, you might hear a friend warn you, 'Be careful, I'm not sure what her real intentions are.' This implies a suspicion of hidden motives or manipulation. The word is a tool for evaluating the trustworthiness of the people around us.

In Literature: Authors use the 'intentions' of their characters to drive the plot and create internal conflict.

Finally, you will hear this word in the self-help and wellness community. People talk about 'setting intentions' for the day or for a yoga practice. This means deciding on a focus or a positive state of mind that you want to maintain. For example, 'My intention for today is to be patient and kind.' Here, the word is used as a tool for mindfulness and personal growth. It moves away from the legal and political realm into a more spiritual and internal space, showing just how versatile the word 'intentions' truly is.

She began every morning by writing down her intentions in a journal to stay focused on her goals.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with intentions is confusing it with the word 'intents.' While they are related, 'intents' is much more formal and is almost exclusively used in the fixed legal phrase 'for all intents and purposes.' In almost every other situation, 'intentions' is the correct plural noun to use. For example, you should say 'My intentions were good,' not 'My intents were good.' Using 'intents' in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a 19th-century law book.

Confusing Word: 'Intent' (singular) is often used in law; 'Intentions' (plural) is used for general plans and motivations.

Another common error involves the preposition that follows the word. Many learners say 'intentions to' when they should use 'intentions of' + gerund. For example, 'I have no intentions of leaving' is the standard way to express this. However, if you use the singular 'intention,' you can use 'to' + infinitive: 'I have no intention to leave.' This subtle shift between singular and plural can be tricky. A good rule of thumb is: plural 'intentions' usually takes 'of,' while singular 'intention' can take 'to' or 'of.'

Incorrect: He had the intentions to help.
Correct: He had the intention to help (or) He had intentions of helping.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'intentions' with 'tensions.' Because they sound similar, a student might accidentally say 'There are many intentions in the room' when they mean 'tensions' (stress or conflict). This completely changes the meaning of the sentence! 'Intentions' are about plans and goals, while 'tensions' are about feelings of pressure or hostility. Always double-check the first syllable to ensure you are using the right word for the context.

A more nuanced mistake is using 'intentions' when 'goals' or 'objectives' would be more appropriate. While they are synonyms, 'intentions' often has a more personal or moral connotation. If you are talking about a business target like 'selling 1,000 units,' it is better to use 'goal' or 'target.' 'Intentions' would sound a bit strange there. Use 'intentions' when you are talking about the spirit or the 'why' behind an action, rather than just the numerical result you want to achieve.

Vocabulary Choice: Use 'goals' for measurable results; use 'intentions' for the underlying purpose or mental state.

Finally, avoid overusing the phrase 'with the intention of.' While it is correct, using it in every sentence can make your writing feel wordy and stiff. Sometimes, a simple 'to' or 'in order to' is much more effective. Instead of saying 'He walked to the store with the intention of buying milk,' you can just say 'He walked to the store to buy milk.' Save 'intentions' for when you really want to emphasize the mental planning or the moral quality of the act.

The speaker clarified that his intentions were purely educational, not political.

While intentions is a powerful word, English offers several alternatives that can help you be more precise depending on the context. The most common synonyms are 'aims,' 'goals,' 'objectives,' and 'purposes.' Each of these carries a slightly different 'flavor.' 'Aims' is often used for general directions, 'goals' for long-term achievements, 'objectives' for specific, measurable steps, and 'purposes' for the fundamental reason something exists or is done.

Intentions vs. Goals: Intentions are about the internal 'why' and the mental state; goals are about the external 'what' and the final result.
Intentions vs. Motives: Motives are the underlying psychological drives (like greed or love), while intentions are the specific plans formed because of those motives.

Another interesting alternative is 'ambitions.' While 'intentions' can be humble and small-scale, 'ambitions' always implies a desire for success, power, or distinction. If you say 'His intentions are to help the poor,' it sounds noble. If you say 'His ambitions are to help the poor,' it sounds like he wants to become famous for doing it. Choosing between these words allows you to signal how much ego or drive is involved in the person's plans.

Her objectives for the meeting were clear, but her true intentions remained a mystery to her colleagues.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might use 'design' or 'resolve.' 'By design' means something was done intentionally rather than by accident. 'Resolve' refers to a firm determination to do something. For example, 'She had a firm resolve to succeed' is much stronger than 'She had intentions to succeed.' These words add variety to your vocabulary and allow you to express different levels of intensity in a person's planning.

Finally, consider the word 'plans.' This is the most common and least formal alternative. If you are talking to a friend about the weekend, you would say 'What are your plans?' rather than 'What are your intentions?' Using 'intentions' in that context would sound overly serious or even suspicious. However, if you are discussing a major life change, like moving to another country, 'intentions' works perfectly because it captures the weight and seriousness of the decision. Understanding these subtle differences is the key to mastering English synonyms.

Quick Comparison: Plans: Informal, everyday.
Intentions: Personal, moral, serious.
Objectives: Formal, business-like, measurable.

The architect's intentions were to create a space that felt both modern and welcoming.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'tend' in intentions is the same root found in 'tension' and 'tendon.' All these words share the core idea of 'stretching.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɪnˈten.ʃənz/

US /ɪnˈten.ʃənz/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: in-TEN-tions.

Rime avec

Inventions Dimensions Extensions Apprehensions Pretensions Retentions Suspensions Declensions

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 't' in 'tion' as a hard 't' instead of a 'sh' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable (IN-tentions).
Forgetting the 'z' sound for the plural 's' at the end.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'tensions' (missing the 'in' at the start).
Muttering the middle syllable so it sounds like 'in-shuns'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, though legal or philosophical texts can be more challenging.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific prepositions like 'of' and 'to' to use correctly.

Expression orale 3/5

Common in everyday conversation, especially when explaining mistakes.

Écoute 3/5

Clearly pronounced, but can be confused with 'tensions' if the listener is not careful.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Plan Want Goal Mean Purpose

Apprends ensuite

Motivation Objective Ambition Premeditated Volition

Avancé

Intentionality Phenomenology Teleology Jurisprudence Consequentialism

Grammaire à connaître

Gerund vs. Infinitive after Intentions

Use 'intentions of doing' (gerund) or 'intention to do' (infinitive).

Plural vs. Singular usage

'Intentions' (plural) is for general goals; 'Intention' (singular) is for a specific plan.

Adjective placement

Adjectives like 'good' or 'bad' always come before 'intentions'.

Possessive nouns with intentions

Use 'The company's intentions' or 'His intentions' to show ownership of the plan.

Prepositional phrases

'With the intention of' is a fixed phrase used to show purpose.

Exemples par niveau

I have good intentions.

I want to do good things.

Subject + Verb + Adjective + Noun.

What are your intentions?

What is your plan?

Question form with 'What'.

His intentions were simple.

His plans were not complicated.

Plural subject with 'were'.

She has no bad intentions.

She does not want to hurt anyone.

Using 'no' to negate the noun.

My intentions are to study.

I plan to study.

Plural noun followed by 'are to' + verb.

They had clear intentions.

Everyone knew their plans.

Past tense 'had'.

Good intentions are important.

Wanting to do good is a big deal.

Noun as the subject of the sentence.

Tell me your intentions.

Tell me what you plan to do.

Imperative sentence.

He arrived with the intention of helping us.

He came because he wanted to help.

Using the singular 'intention' in a phrase.

I'm sure she had the best intentions.

I believe she wanted to do the right thing.

Superlative 'best' modifying intentions.

It was not my intention to hurt your feelings.

I did not mean to make you sad.

Formal way to say 'I didn't mean to'.

Do you have any intentions of going to the party?

Are you planning to go to the party?

Question with 'any' and 'of + gerund'.

The cat had intentions of catching the bird.

The cat wanted to catch the bird.

Personification of an animal's goals.

We need to clarify our intentions for the project.

We need to explain our goals for the work.

Verb 'clarify' used with intentions.

His intentions were honorable.

He had very good and honest plans.

Adjective 'honorable' used for character.

She spoke about her future intentions.

She talked about what she wants to do later.

Adjective 'future' modifying intentions.

He has every intention of finishing the report by Friday.

He is very determined to finish the report.

Fixed phrase 'has every intention of'.

The company's intentions are still unclear to the public.

People don't know what the company is planning.

Possessive noun + intentions.

Despite his good intentions, the plan failed miserably.

Even though he wanted to do well, it didn't work.

Using 'despite' to show contrast.

I suspect he has hidden intentions for joining the club.

I think he has a secret reason for being here.

Adjective 'hidden' implies secrecy.

The government announced its intentions to reform the law.

The leaders said they plan to change the rules.

Intentions + to + infinitive.

She entered the room with the intention of making a scene.

She went in specifically to cause trouble.

Phrase 'with the intention of'.

It is important to communicate your intentions clearly.

You must tell people what you are planning.

Infinitive phrase as the subject.

What were your original intentions when you started this?

What did you plan to do at the very beginning?

Adjective 'original' used for history.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Good plans don't matter if the results are bad.

Famous English proverb.

The suspect's intentions were central to the court case.

What the person was thinking was the main point.

Legal context for intentions.

She questioned the intentions of the salesperson.

She didn't trust what the seller was saying.

Verb 'questioned' used for doubt.

The artist's intentions are often debated by critics.

Experts disagree on what the painter meant.

Passive voice 'are debated'.

He acted with the best of intentions, but the outcome was tragic.

He tried his hardest to be good, but things went wrong.

Phrase 'with the best of intentions'.

We must look beyond his words to his true intentions.

We need to see what he is really planning, not just what he says.

Prepositional phrase 'beyond his words'.

The treaty was signed with peaceful intentions.

They signed the paper because they wanted peace.

Adjective 'peaceful' modifying intentions.

I have no intention of letting this opportunity pass.

I am definitely going to take this chance.

Strong negation with 'no intention of'.

The authorial intentions remain elusive despite extensive analysis.

We still don't know what the writer meant.

Academic adjective 'authorial'.

One must distinguish between criminal intent and mere negligence.

You have to know if they meant it or were just careless.

Using the singular 'intent' in a legal context.

The policy was implemented with the intentions of fostering economic growth.

The rule was made to help the economy grow.

Formal gerund phrase 'fostering economic growth'.

His stated intentions were at odds with his actual behavior.

What he said he would do was different from what he did.

Idiom 'at odds with'.

The complexity of human intentions makes social science difficult.

People's minds are hard to study because they are complicated.

Abstract noun as the subject.

She declared her intentions to run for office early in the year.

She said she wanted to be a politician.

Verb 'declared' for public statements.

The move was seen as a declaration of hostile intentions.

People thought they were planning to start a fight.

Adjective 'hostile' for aggressive plans.

Intentions are the primary focus of virtue ethics.

Thinking about 'why' is the main part of this philosophy.

Philosophical context.

The phenomenological study of intentions reveals the structure of consciousness.

Studying plans helps us understand how the mind works.

High-level academic vocabulary.

The 'intentional fallacy' suggests that a work's meaning is independent of its creator's intentions.

A book's meaning isn't just what the author planned.

Specific literary theory term.

The ambiguity of his intentions served as a strategic advantage in the negotiations.

Not knowing his plans helped him win the deal.

Noun 'ambiguity' used with intentions.

The legislation was drafted to encompass both direct and indirect intentions.

The law covers what people meant to do and what they should have known.

Legal distinction between types of intent.

Her intentions were subsumed by the larger goals of the organization.

Her personal plans became less important than the company's plans.

Advanced verb 'subsumed'.

The discourse surrounding the candidate's intentions was fraught with speculation.

Everyone was guessing what the politician really wanted.

Complex sentence structure with 'fraught with'.

One must interrogate the underlying intentions of any historical narrative.

You have to question why history was written a certain way.

Academic verb 'interrogate'.

The teleological argument relies on the perception of divine intentions in nature.

The idea of God depends on seeing a plan in the world.

Theological/Philosophical context.

Collocations courantes

Good intentions

Clear intentions

Hidden intentions

Stated intentions

With the intention of

Have no intention of

Declare your intentions

Honorable intentions

Original intentions

Misunderstand intentions

Phrases Courantes

With the best of intentions

No intention of

What are your intentions?

Clear your intentions

Hidden intentions

Stated intentions

Original intentions

Noble intentions

Hostile intentions

Peaceful intentions

Souvent confondu avec

intentions vs Intents

Almost only used in the phrase 'for all intents and purposes.' Use 'intentions' for everything else.

intentions vs Tensions

Sounds similar but means stress or conflict. 'Intentions' are plans.

intentions vs Pretensions

Means acting more important than you are. 'Intentions' are what you plan to do.

Expressions idiomatiques

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions"

Good plans are not enough; you must also achieve good results. Sometimes good plans lead to bad outcomes.

He tried to help but made things worse. Truly, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

General

"For all intents and purposes"

In every practical sense; effectively. (Note: uses 'intents' but is closely related).

For all intents and purposes, the project is finished.

Formal

"With an eye to"

Doing something with the intention of achieving a specific result later.

He saved money with an eye to buying a house next year.

Neutral

"Mean well"

To have good intentions, even if the result is annoying or unhelpful.

She means well, but her constant advice is quite irritating.

Informal

"Have a mind to"

To have the intention or inclination to do something.

I have a mind to tell him exactly what I think of his behavior.

Neutral

"Set one's heart on"

To have a very strong intention or desire to achieve something specific.

She has set her heart on becoming a doctor.

Informal

"In the pipeline"

Plans or intentions that are currently being developed or prepared.

We have several new products in the pipeline for next year.

Business

"Draw a bead on"

To focus your intentions or efforts specifically on one goal.

The company has drawn a bead on the European market.

Neutral

"Lay the groundwork"

To do the initial work with the intention of making a future project successful.

They are laying the groundwork for a new trade agreement.

Neutral

"Cast an eye on"

To look at something with the intention of potentially buying or using it.

He is casting an eye on that new apartment downtown.

Informal

Facile à confondre

intentions vs Intent

They look and sound very similar.

Intent is usually singular and used in legal contexts (criminal intent). Intentions is plural and used for general plans and motivations.

The jury found he had the intent to kill. / My intentions for the weekend are to relax.

intentions vs Motive

Both explain why someone does something.

A motive is the inner drive (like hunger or greed). An intention is the specific plan made to satisfy that drive.

His motive was greed; his intention was to rob the bank.

intentions vs Goal

Both refer to future results.

A goal is the specific thing you want to achieve. An intention is the mental state or purpose behind trying to achieve it.

My goal is to lose 5kg; my intention is to live a healthier life.

intentions vs Aim

Both mean purpose.

Aim is often used for the direction of an action. Intention is more about the mental commitment.

The aim of the game is to score points. / I have no intention of losing.

intentions vs Plan

Both involve the future.

A plan is a detailed set of steps. An intention is the general desire or purpose to do something.

I have a plan to visit Paris. / My intentions are to travel more.

Structures de phrases

I have [adjective] intentions.

I have good intentions.

It was not my intention to [verb].

It was not my intention to break the vase.

He has no intention of [verb-ing].

He has no intention of quitting his job.

With the intention of [verb-ing]...

With the intention of saving money, she stayed home.

Despite his [adjective] intentions, [result].

Despite his good intentions, the party was a failure.

His stated intentions were at odds with [noun].

His stated intentions were at odds with his actions.

The [adjective] intentions of the [noun] are [adjective].

The original intentions of the law are unclear.

One must interrogate the [adjective] intentions behind [noun].

One must interrogate the underlying intentions behind the policy.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English, especially in discussions about morality, goals, and law.

Erreurs courantes

I have the intentions to go. → I have the intention to go. (or) I have intentions of going.
The plural 'intentions' usually takes 'of' + gerund, while the singular 'intention' takes 'to' + infinitive.
His intents were good. → His intentions were good.
'Intents' is almost exclusively used in the phrase 'for all intents and purposes.' Use 'intentions' for general plans.
There were many intentions in the meeting. → There were many tensions in the meeting.
If you mean people were stressed or angry, use 'tensions.' 'Intentions' means people had many plans.
What is your intentions? → What are your intentions?
'Intentions' is plural, so it must be used with the plural verb 'are'.
He did it with intentions of help. → He did it with the intention of helping.
You need the definite article 'the' and the gerund 'helping' after 'intention of'.

Astuces

Use with Adjectives

Always try to pair 'intentions' with an adjective like 'good,' 'clear,' or 'hidden' to give more detail to your sentence.

Preposition Choice

Remember: 'intention to' (singular) and 'intentions of' (plural/gerund). This is a common point of confusion for learners.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'plans' for casual talk with friends and 'intentions' for more serious or professional discussions.

Clarifying Mistakes

If you make a mistake, say 'That wasn't my intention.' It's a very polite way to show you didn't mean to cause trouble.

Business Context

In business, use 'intentions' to discuss long-term strategy and 'objectives' for short-term, measurable targets.

Legal Distinction

If you are reading a legal text, look for 'intent' rather than 'intentions.' It's the specific term used in courts.

Avoid Wordiness

Don't say 'He did it with the intention of helping' if you can just say 'He did it to help.' Use the longer phrase for emphasis.

Listen for 'Tensions'

Be careful not to confuse 'intentions' with 'tensions' in fast speech. Context usually helps you tell them apart.

Motive vs Intention

Remember that motives are the 'feeling' (why) and intentions are the 'plan' (how/what).

The Road to Hell

Learn the proverb 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.' It's a great way to show advanced English knowledge.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'In-Ten-Tions.' I have TEN plans IN my head. The 'ten' helps you remember the middle syllable and the plural nature of having many plans.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing at a crossroads with several glowing arrows pointing in different directions. Each arrow represents a different intention or plan.

Word Web

Plans Goals Aims Purposes Mindset Will Motivation Design

Défi

Write three sentences about your intentions for the next year. Use at least one adjective like 'noble,' 'clear,' or 'ambitious' to describe them.

Origine du mot

The word comes from the Old French word 'entencion,' which in turn comes from the Latin 'intentio.' The Latin root is 'intendere,' which means 'to stretch out' or 'to lean toward.'

Sens originel : In Latin, it literally meant a stretching or straining toward something, which evolved into the mental straining toward a goal.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Romance -> English.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when questioning someone's intentions, as it can sound accusatory or suspicious if not phrased politely.

The phrase 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions' is one of the most common proverbs used to warn against over-relying on good motives.

The song 'Good Intentions' by various artists (e.g., Nav, Disclosure). The legal concept of 'Mens Rea' (guilty mind) in English Common Law. The 'Intentional Fallacy' in 20th-century literary criticism.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Business and Law

Letter of intent
Criminal intent
Stated intentions
Contractual intentions

Personal Relationships

What are your intentions?
Good intentions
Hidden intentions
Misunderstood intentions

Self-Improvement

Set an intention
Daily intentions
Noble intentions
Clarity of intention

Academic Analysis

Authorial intentions
Original intentions
The researcher's intentions
Underlying intentions

Politics and News

Hostile intentions
Peaceful intentions
The government's intentions
Questioning intentions

Amorces de conversation

"What are your primary intentions for your career in the next five years?"

"Do you think intentions are more important than the actual results of an action?"

"Have you ever had good intentions that resulted in a complete disaster?"

"How do you usually set your intentions for a new week or a new month?"

"Is it always necessary to declare your intentions clearly in a business negotiation?"

Sujets d'écriture

Reflect on a time when someone misunderstood your intentions. How did you handle the situation and what did you learn?

Write about your top three intentions for your personal growth this year. Why are these important to you?

Describe a situation where you suspected someone had hidden intentions. What signs did you notice?

If you were to set a single intention for how you want to treat others today, what would it be?

Analyze a famous historical event. What do you think were the primary intentions of the key people involved?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you can use the singular 'intention' (e.g., 'It was my intention to help'). However, the plural 'intentions' is very common when talking about someone's general goals or character (e.g., 'He has good intentions').

'Intent' is more formal and is the standard term in law (e.g., 'with intent to commit a crime'). 'Intention' is the standard word for everyday use and general plans.

It is more common to say 'intentions of doing' or 'intention to do.' Using 'intentions to do' is sometimes seen but is less idiomatic than the other two options.

It means that just having a good heart or a good plan isn't enough. If you don't act correctly or if the results are bad, your good intentions don't matter.

It is neutral. It depends on the adjective you use with it. 'Good intentions' are positive, while 'hostile intentions' are negative.

You can use it to state your goals clearly, such as 'Our intentions for this partnership are to expand our market reach.' It sounds professional and focused.

In common speech, yes. We often say 'The dog had intentions of stealing the steak.' In science and philosophy, it is a debated topic about whether animals have conscious plans.

These are secret goals that a person is not telling others. If someone is being nice just to get a favor later, they have hidden intentions.

It means choosing a specific focus or quality, like 'patience' or 'strength,' to think about during your practice.

Yes, it is considered B1 because it involves discussing more abstract concepts like motivation and purpose beyond simple everyday actions.