Meaning of intent

[dayannne]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Verbal Skills Test", question 2

Although he hadn't actually done anything, he looked as if he might and he was arrested for being outside the house with ......... to burgle it.

(a) purpose
(b) reason
(c) intent
(d) inclination

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Verbal Skills Test", answer 2

Although he hadn't actually done anything, he looked as if he might and he was arrested for being outside the house with intent to burgle it.

Correct answer: (c) intent
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i'm confused about which word fits there, could you explain me please?
meaning of intent

dayannne

[Alan]

Hi dayannne,

The word you need here is intent, which shows that he had in his mind the idea to burgle the house - that was his reason or purpose for being ouside the house.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Subjunctive

[Casafon]

hi Alan,
the words "intent" and "purpose" have a very similar meaning, I guess. Can the word "purpose" fit in this context if I change the construction of the sentence in:
for being outside the house with the purpose of burgling it
?