Avoir l'intention vs. prévoir vs. compter
In French, 'avoir l'intention', 'prévoir', and 'compter' are three expressions used to discuss plans and intentions for the future. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, they each have nuances that can help convey the speaker's level of determination, the context, or the likelihood of the action taking place.
Avoir l'intention
To have the intention – usually implying a thoughtful decision but not always a set plan.
J'ai l'intention d'apprendre le piano cette année.
(I intend to learn the piano this year.)
Elle a l'intention de lui parler aujourd'hui.
(She intends to talk to him today.)
Prévoir
To plan or to forecast – generally suggesting that there is some planning involved or that one is forecasting something that is expected to happen.
Nous prévoyons de partir en vacances en juillet.
(We plan to go on vacation in July.)
Le météo prévoit de la pluie pour demain.
(The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow.)
Compter
To count on or to intend – often carries a sense of personal commitment to doing what is stated and sometimes implies reliance on it happening.
Je compte finir ce projet avant la fin de la semaine.
(I'm counting on finishing this project before the end of the week.)
Il compte sur toi pour l'aider à déménager.
(He is counting on you to help him move.)
Summary
'Avoir l'intention', 'prévoir', and 'compter' are three French expressions used for expressing future plans or intentions, each with its own nuance. 'Avoir l'intention' conveys a more gentle intention without a specific plan; 'Prévoir' alludes to more definite planning or expectation; and 'compter' implies a stronger commitment or reliance on the intended action. Understanding these subtleties can add richness and precision when communicating in French about future events or actions.