Intend is the verb: to have something in mind to do. Intent is the noun — the purpose behind an act — and an adjective meaning fixed on something. I intend to go; the intent was clear; intent on winning. In everyday speech the noun is usually intention; intent is the formal and legal word.
The core difference
- intend — a verb: to plan or mean to. She intends to apply, I didn't intend any offence.
- intent — a noun: purpose, especially in law. Criminal intent, with intent to supply, the intent of the rule. Also an adjective: intent on finishing, an intent stare.
The tell
If there is a to after it, the word is intend: intend to leave. If there is an on after it, the word is intent: intent on leaving. And intention is the everyday noun — my intention is to retire early — while intent sounds like a statute: letter of intent, malicious intent. Saying I have no intent to is not wrong, just formal.
In use
- intent — The court found no criminal intent. She was intent on finishing before dark.
- intend — We intend to open in March. I never intended to hurt anyone.
Common slips
- I intent to apply → I intend to apply
- he was intend on winning → he was intent on winning
A to after it wants intend; an on after it wants intent.
Where the words come from
Both come from Latin intendere, "to stretch towards, to direct the mind". Intend kept the verb; intent came through Old French entent as the thing the mind is stretched towards. The phrase to all intents and purposes preserves the older plural noun.
