The concept of intention is central to human cognition and the expression of intention in language is a vital part of human communication. This study examined children's comprehension of some expressions of intention by determining their ability to choose from sets of pictures the ones that illustrated sentences which included expressions of intention. Two types of expression were used: expressions in the present tense marking prior intentions (type A) and expressions in the past tense marking the intentional or unintentional nature of an action (type B). Children were tested at four age levels: 4, 5, 7 and 9 years. It was found that understanding improved markedly between the ages of 4 and 9. The 4‐year‐olds appeared to disregard the expressions of intention, whereas the 9‐year‐olds understood most