What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intention
Example
My intention is to finish this project by the end of the week. [intention: noun]
Example
She intended to go to the gym after work. [intended: past tense verb]
objective
Example
The objective of this project is to increase sales by 10%. [objective: noun]
Example
She set an objective to read one book per week. [objective: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Objective is more commonly used than intention in professional contexts, such as business, education, and goal-setting. Intention is more commonly used in personal contexts, such as relationships, self-improvement, and decision-making.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intention and objective?
Objective is generally considered more formal than intention, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Objective is often used in professional and academic settings, while intention is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.