Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Intentions you have decided for yourself
Use plain-form verbs before .
Start with the example
。
I intend to study abroad in Japan next year.
Use the plain dictionary form before .
Notice the variation
。
I intend to rest at home this weekend.
makes this a personal plan, not just a fact.
More detail: how to apply this
expresses what someone intends or plans to do.
The plan lives in the speaker’s mind, so it is often used for goals, future paths, and personal choices.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the action and its polarity before treating the whole phrase as an intention.
describes a deliberate plan in the speaker’s mind. It does not guarantee how tonight will actually unfold.
。
I intend not to watch TV tonight.
Read the action and its polarity before treating the whole phrase as an intention.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I intend to study abroad in Japan next year.
Use the plain dictionary form before .
Vocabulary notes
- 留学する
- to study abroad
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Compare in context
。
I intend to rest at home this weekend.
makes this a personal plan, not just a fact.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Compare in context
。
I intend to read this book to the end.
adds the goal of finishing completely.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Section 2 of 4
Positive and negative intentions
Positive and negative intentions
Start with the example
。
I intend to study economics at university.
The verb before stays in plain form.
Notice the variation
。
I intend not to watch TV tonight.
means the speaker has decided not to watch.
More detail: how to apply this
To say someone intends not to do something, put the plain negative before .
This sounds like a deliberate choice, not just an accidental non-action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I intend to study economics at university.
The verb before stays in plain form.
。
I intend to study economics at university.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I intend to study economics at university.
Showing Positive and negative intentions: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I intend to study economics at university.
The verb before stays in plain form.
Vocabulary notes
- 勉強する
- to study
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Preview
。
I intend not to watch TV tonight.
means the speaker has decided not to watch.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Preview
。
I do not intend to go on the trip.
states a negative intention.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Section 3 of 4
Read intention, not fixed schedule
Read the action and its polarity before treating the whole phrase as an intention.
Read intention, not fixed schedule
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
limits the intention to tonight. It is not a permanent claim about television.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
can overlap with “plan,” but it is centered on intention.
When a school, company, calendar, or outside arrangement decides the timing, often fits better.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
After I graduate, I intend to return to my country.
The speaker is describing their own future intention.
。
After I graduate, I intend to return to my country.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: After I graduate, I intend to return to my country.
Showing Read intention, not fixed schedule: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
After I graduate, I intend to return to my country.
The speaker is describing their own future intention.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Preview
。
I hear Tanaka intends to leave the company next month.
reports someone else’s stated intention.
Vocabulary notes
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- つもり
- intention; plan
Preview
。
Even if it rains, I intend to go to my friend’s house.
The speaker is emphasizing their own decision despite the weather.
Vocabulary notes
- 友だち
- friend
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
The plain verb's negation changes the intended action;
expresses intention.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The plain verb's negation changes the intended action; expresses intention.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Intend to go / intend not to go
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.