What is intend? Pronunciation and usage in English

intend means . Learn how to pronounce and use intend through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of intend

intendverb

/ɪnˈtɛnd/
Definition & pronunciation of intend

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "intend" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Basic Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ih-TEND (IPA: /ɪˈtɛnd/)

    • ih: Like the "i" in "bit."
    • TEND: Pronounced like "tend" – rhymes with "bend." The "d" is a regular "d" sound.

2. Slight Variations:

  • Some people might subtly emphasize the "ent" part a bit more, making it sound closer to "ih-TEN-d." However, the "ih-TEND" is overwhelmingly the standard and most frequently heard.

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  • i - like in "bit"
  • nt - a single “n” sound followed by a “t” sound (like the “nt” in “hint”)

Resources to Listen:

To help me give you even more targeted guidance, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Regional accents can slightly affect pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word intend in English

Let's break down how to use the word "intend" effectively in English. It’s a versatile word that expresses plans, intentions, and desires. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning: To Have a Plan or Purpose

At its simplest, "intend" means to have a plan or purpose in mind. It's about what you are going to do.

  • Example: "I intend to finish this report by tomorrow." (I have a plan to complete it by tomorrow.)
  • Example: "She intends to travel to Italy next year." (She plans to travel to Italy.)

2. Structures and Common Uses

Here’s how “intend” is typically used in sentences:

  • "intend to" + verb: This is the most common and standard form.

    • Example: "I intend to call you later."
    • Example: "He intends to study medicine."

  • "intend [something] to" + verb: This emphasizes the goal of the intention.

    • Example: "I intend this letter to be a surprise." (The goal is to keep it a surprise.)
    • Example: “She intended him to think she was leaving.” (Her intention was to create that false impression.)

  • "intend" + -ing form of a verb (as a gerund): This emphasizes the process or action of intending. Less common than "intend to."

    • Example: "I intend researching this topic further." (I mean to do the act of researching.)

3. Different Shades of Meaning – Emphasis & Tone

“Intend” can carry slightly different nuances depending on how it's used:

  • Formal and Serious: It often expresses a firm, deliberate decision. It sounds more formal than “plan” or "want."

    • Example: "The company intends to restructure its operations." (This is a significant, carefully considered action.)

  • Mild Intentions: It can also signify a gentle desire or hope, not necessarily a firm commitment.

    • Example: “I intend to be a good student.” (I hope to be a good student – it's a goal, but not a guarantee.)

  • Expressing a Desire or Wish (sometimes): While “want” is more common for simple desires, "intend" can express a deeper, more heartfelt wish.

    • Example: “I intend to make a positive impact on the world.”

4. Contrast with Similar Words

It’s helpful to understand how "intend" differs from related words:

  • Plan: Implies a general idea of what to do. “I plan to go to the beach” – less definite than “I intend to go.”
  • Purpose: The goal or reason for doing something. "The purpose of this meeting is to discuss..."
  • Wish: Expresses a desire. “I wish I were rich.”
  • Decide: A firm choice. "I decided to stay home."

5. Examples in Different Contexts

  • Business: "The CEO intends to launch a new product line."
  • Personal: "I intend to start exercising regularly."
  • Legal: "The defendant intends to plead not guilty."
  • Social: “She intends to invite him to the party.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of context are you interested in using "intend" in? (e.g., writing emails, giving presentations, casual conversation?)
  • Could you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word intend

Practice with vocabulary intend

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company has announced that it _______ to launch its innovative product line by the end of the year.
  2. I didn't _______ for my remarks to be interpreted as criticism; I was merely offering constructive feedback.
  3. Before we proceed, we need to _______ a detailed timeline for the project's completion.
  4. The CEO _______ that the market conditions will improve in the coming months, allowing for further investment.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. What do you _______ to achieve with this ambitious research proposal? A) aim B) hope C) intend D) envision

  2. The new security protocol is _______ to prevent unauthorized data access and breaches. A) designed B) purposed C) intended D) meant

  3. The project manager _______ to schedule a follow-up meeting by the end of the week to review progress. A) plans B) hopes C) intends D) wishes

  4. The board decided to _______ the strategic plan after receiving feedback from stakeholders. A) amend B) revise C) alter D) formulate

  5. Our primary _______ is to ensure customer satisfaction and build long-term relationships. A) objective B) goal C) target D) ambition

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her primary objective was to streamline the recruitment process. Rewrite using "intend" or a related word form: Her _______ was to streamline the recruitment process.
  2. They have made preparations to expand their market share globally. Rewrite using "intend" or a related word form: They _______ to expand their market share globally.
  3. The main purpose of the new policy is to enhance employee welfare. Rewrite without using "intend" or its forms: The new policy _______ to enhance employee welfare.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company has announced that it intends to launch its innovative product line by the end of the year.
  2. I didn't intend for my remarks to be interpreted as criticism; I was merely offering constructive feedback.
  3. Before we proceed, we need to establish a detailed timeline for the project's completion.
  4. The CEO anticipates that the market conditions will improve in the coming months, allowing for further investment.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) aim, C) intend, D) envision
  2. A) designed, C) intended, D) meant
  3. A) plans, C) intends
  4. A) amend, B) revise, C) alter
  5. A) objective, B) goal, C) target

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her intention was to streamline the recruitment process.
  2. They intend to expand their market share globally.
  3. The new policy aims to enhance employee welfare.

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