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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with intention

Intention is commonly used in phrases such as with the intention of and without intention. Some combinations are natural only in specific contexts.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with intention

The most common pattern is with the intention of + verb or noun. Without intention is also natural. By intention is uncommon and usually contrasts with by accident. In intention is rare in modern English, and of intention is generally not idiomatic as a fixed phrase.

She left early with the intention of avoiding traffic.
He broke the vase without intention to cause harm.
It was done by intention, not by accident.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
with the intention of + verb

Expressing a planned purpose

Use this pattern to explain what someone plans or hopes to do.

They met with the intention of signing the contract.
2
with intention + noun

Describing deliberate action

This pattern emphasises that an action is purposeful.

She spoke with intention and clarity.
3
without intention

Showing lack of purpose or planning

Use this phrase when something happens unintentionally.

He offended her without intention.
4
by intention

Contrasting deliberate and accidental actions

This phrase is uncommon but can appear in contrasts such as by intention versus by accident.

The error was not by intention.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
with the intention of
She called with the intention of apologising.
standard expression for purpose or plan
without intention
He answered without intention to offend anyone.
shows lack of deliberate purpose
by intention
The damage was caused by intention, not by accident.
rare and mainly used in contrasts
in intention
The policy was good in intention but failed in practice.
possible in formal contexts meaning in purpose or design, but not common
of intention
They acted with clear signs of intention.
of intention is not a usual fixed pattern after intention itself; it appears in larger noun phrases

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of intention as a fixed phrase

English normally uses with the intention of rather than of intention alone.

✕ She came of intention help us. ✓ She came with the intention of helping us.

Using in intention for ordinary purpose

In intention sounds formal and limited. Use with the intention of in most cases.

✕ He studied abroad in intention improve his English. ✓ He studied abroad with the intention of improving his English.

Forgetting of after intention

After intention, use of before a verb ending in -ing.

✕ They met with the intention solve the issue. ✓ They met with the intention of solving the issue.

Overusing by intention

By intention is rare outside contrasts with by accident.

✕ She spoke by intention to the manager. ✓ She spoke to the manager with intention.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She applied for the course ___ the intention of changing careers.
2. He damaged the file ___ intention, not by accident.
3. They left early ___ intention to upset anyone.

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Frequently asked questions

Is with the intention of formal?

It is common in both formal and neutral English, especially in writing.

Can I say by intention?

Yes, but it is uncommon and usually appears in contrasts such as by intention versus by accident.

Is in intention correct?

It can appear in formal expressions like good in intention, but it is not the usual way to express purpose.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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