EXPRESSING AND ASKING AN INTENTION

Objectives

Objective: In this lesson, you will learn how to express and ask an intention to do something. 

LESSON

Key Points

We sometimes deal with both expressing intention for doing something—when anyone asks us about it—and asking the intention on someone else about what she/he does. As what we learned in previous lessons, there are many rules to obey in talking with others such as appropriateness, politeness and suitability with the context. For example, you won’t ask the intention on something that is already clear and commonly known. Asking the intention is usually used for any unusual thing although it is sometimes a part of attention. However, don’t get yourself down when anyone asks the intention on what you are doing although it is perhaps commonly known. Keep believing that it is a caring expression or a sign of attention.
Take a look at the following example:
X: You look so busy studying. This is holiday, Buddy!
Y: Yes I know, I just focus on something else out of school. Thank you for asking by the way.

X: You read the book all the lesson time. Didn’t you pay attention on what the teacher spoke?

Y: I just feel bored to listen to him/her. Thanks anyway.

X: Hi, what are you looking for here? Is it some medicine literatures?
Y: Actually yes. I do love medicine although I take social science as my major.

Those three examples show how to ask and express intention on doing something. If you are asking someone else, make sure you ask him/her politely both in diction and rhythm voice. Show him/her that your question is an expression of care or attention instead of investigation or intervention on someone else’s business. Remember that you are not recommended to ask intention on any common or usual thing because it perhaps disturbs others. Meanwhile, when someone asks your intention on doing something, no matter it is common, give as good as possible respond or answer. Tell your condition properly as well as reason and intention on doing that specific thing.

You can also notice that sometimes, question about intention on doing something contains reason of the question, as what you see in first example. X tells Y that it was a holiday implying his/her wonders why Y studied. The second example also contains it although the second sentence tends to be an advice. Remember that you have to deliver it as polite as possible. Meanwhile, the third contains a reminder about the condition for making sure that Y is not in a wrong place. If you are the question-giver, make sure you give the response or feedback after your interlocutor answers your question to show your sincerity. However if you are the answer-maker, show your thankfulness whether directly or indirectly.

Pay attention to the short conversation below:

X: You give too much chili on your meal. Is it good for your stomach? It is still early morning. 
Y: Yes, I know. I just want to have as spicy as possible meal for my breakfast. My stomach will be ok
X: Oh I see. Let us have a breakfast then. 
X: You drive so fast. It is still 6 by the way. We will not come late. 
Y: Oh, thank you for reminding. I guess it is already 6.30 and I am afraid we will come late. 
X: Yes, you are very welcome.

Those two conversations show examples on how you should behave in asking and answering question on intention for doing something properly.

To sum up, you have learned that in expressing intention on doing something, you have to: 
Give answers or information clearly, simply, politely and properly.
Show your thankfulness for other’s attention or care either directly or indirectly. 
Explain your reason on doing anything, if it is possible and needed.

Meanwhile, in asking the intention of others in doing something, you have to: Give the question as polite as possible for showing your attention instead of intervention
Strengthen any reason why you ask the intention beyond what others do. 
Mention anything that shows your sincerity such as advice, recommendation or reminder. 

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