intend
B2Formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
To have in mind as a plan or purpose; to plan or design for a specific purpose.
To have as one's future aim or objective; to mean or signify something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used to express future plans or intentions. Strongly associated with deliberate forethought. Can be used in legal contexts (e.g., 'intended purpose').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally neutral and formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intend to do somethingintend somebody/something to do somethingintend something (for something)intend that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as intended”
- “no offence intended”
- “well-intended”
- “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in strategic planning: 'We intend to launch the product in Q3.'
Academic
Used to state research aims: 'This study intends to examine the correlation.'
Everyday
Used for personal plans: 'I intend to visit my parents this weekend.'
Technical
In law/engineering, refers to design purpose: 'The clause is intended to limit liability.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I fully intend to complain to the manager about the service.
- This document is intended for internal use only.
- We hadn't intended for the meeting to run so late.
American English
- I intend to file my taxes early this year.
- The fund is intended to support local businesses.
- He clearly intended that she should get the promotion.
adverb
British English
- No British usage as an adverb for 'intend'. The related adverb is 'intentionally'.
American English
- No American usage as an adverb for 'intend'. The related adverb is 'intentionally'.
adjective
British English
- No British usage as an adjective for 'intend'. The related adjective is 'intended'.
American English
- No American usage as an adjective for 'intend'. The related adjective is 'intended'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I intend to visit London next summer.
- She intends to buy a new car.
- The company intends to hire more staff next year.
- What do you intend to do after university?
- The government intends that the new law will reduce pollution.
- The remarks were not intended to cause offence.
- The architect intended the building to blend with its historical surroundings.
- The treaty was intended as a definitive settlement of the border dispute.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of IN + TEND. When you INtend to do something, you are INclined to TEND towards that goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTENTION IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'I intend to go down that path'), INTENTION IS A TARGET (e.g., 'I intend to hit those goals').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'pretend' (притворяться). 'Intend' is намереваться, собираться, whereas 'pretend' is притворяться.
- Beware of false friend 'интендант' (intendant), which is a supply officer, unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect tense: 'I am intending to go' (less common) vs. 'I intend to go'.
- Wrong preposition: 'I intend doing something' (less common in US English) vs. 'I intend to do something'.
- Confusion with 'intent' (noun/adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'intend' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Intend' suggests a firm resolve or deliberate purpose. 'Plan' implies more detailed steps. 'Mean' is more informal and can imply less firmness ('I meant to call you').
Primarily by the infinitive ('intend to do'). The gerund ('intend doing') is possible but less common, especially in American English.
The primary noun is 'intention'. 'Intent' is also a noun, often used in more formal or legal contexts.
It is possible but not common (e.g., 'I am intending to...'). The simple present ('I intend to...') is the standard, more natural form.