Learn English – “Intents and purposes” versus “intensive purposes”

eggcornidiomsphrases

I know that "for all intents and purposes" is the correct saying, but I often hear/see people say/write "for all intensive purposes".

I was under the impression that the latter is completely incorrect, but when I discussed this with some friends, we could not reach an agreement.

Is "intensive purposes" considered correct even though it is a deviation from the original turn of phrase?

Best Answer

It's most likely a slurring of the original phrase, but "for all intensive purposes" does make it clear that only the most serious purposes are being considered.

I would probably classify it as an eggcorn.