Be Intent On Doing vs. An Intent To Do
Cambridge directly distinguishes the adjective construction be intent on something/doing something from the noun construction intent to do something, so the page keeps category and complement structure explicit.
Use “be intent on doing something” for the adjective construction. Use “an intent to do something” when “intent” is the noun followed by a to-infinitive.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| adjective describing determined focus on an activity | be intent on + -ing/noun | keep “on” with the adjective construction |
| noun naming a purpose or intention | an intent to + verb | use the noun followed by the infinitive |
Quick tests
Word-class test
Is “intent” functioning as an adjective after “be,” or as a noun such as “an intent”?
If yes: Use “be intent on + -ing/noun” for the adjective.
If no: Use “an intent to + verb” for the noun.
Caveat: Do not transfer the noun’s infinitive pattern directly to adjectival “be intent.”
Examples
They are intent on finishing the review today.
Adjectival “intent” takes “on” before the activity.
The memo states an intent to revise the policy.
Noun “intent” is followed by a to-infinitive.
Be intent on doing and have an intent to do are different grammatical structures.
The contrast depends on word class as well as complement choice.
Further guidance
Core difference
Cambridge documents adjective be intent on + noun/-ing and noun intent + to-infinitive; they are different grammatical constructions.
Style Boundary
Do not treat adjective “intent” as though it freely takes a bare to-infinitive; keep the adjective-on pattern distinct from the noun “intent to do” pattern.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Be intent on doing something; intent (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for adjective be intent on + noun/-ing and noun intent + to-infinitive.