a motivation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a motivation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is inspiring or pushing you to take action or achieve a goal. For example: "Hearing about his success was a great motivation for me to work harder on my own goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I need a motivation.

The Guardian - Music

You have a motivation to improve yourself".

The New York Times - Sports

Money has never been a motivation.

The Guardian

"They used that as a motivation.

The Guardian - Sport

Ultimately, my children are a motivation.

The Guardian

I can't believe that's a motivation.

The New York Times

"It's a motivation that I'm uncomfortable with.

The Guardian

And all of us share a motivation.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm enjoying the challenge – that in itself is a motivation.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd say it's a motivation factor in practice.

The New York Times - Sports

So the recognition provided by awards really is a motivation".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a motivation", ensure it clearly links to the action or goal it influences. For instance, specify what someone is motivated to do or by.

Common error

Avoid using "a motivation" without explicitly stating the outcome or goal. For example, instead of saying "Success was a motivation", specify "Success was a motivation to work harder".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a motivation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it denotes something that incites action or provides a reason for behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a motivation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a reason or drive for action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. Its versatility is apparent in its frequent appearance across diverse fields, from News & Media to scientific publications. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the connection between the motivation and the action it prompts is explicit. Alternatives like "an incentive" or "a driving force" can offer nuanced expression, but "a motivation" remains a direct and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incentive

Replaces "motivation" with a term that emphasizes encouragement or reward.

a driving force

Emphasizes the power or energy behind a particular action or decision.

a reason

Offers a basic justification or explanation for doing something.

a catalyst

Highlights something that sparks or accelerates a process or action.

a stimulus

Implies something that provokes a response or action.

an impetus

Indicates an initial force or push that starts something moving.

a purpose

Suggests a defined goal or intention guiding one's actions.

an inspiration

Implies a source of creative or emotional encouragement.

an aim

Similar to purpose, but can be more long-term or overarching.

a rationale

Replaces motivation with a term that emphasizes logical or reasoned justification.

FAQs

How can I use "a motivation" in a sentence?

You can use "a motivation" to describe something that drives or inspires action. For instance, "The desire to help others was "a motivation" for her to volunteer".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a motivation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an incentive", "a driving force", or "a reason".

Is it better to say "a motivation" or "the motivation"?

The choice depends on the context. "A motivation" refers to one of possibly several reasons or drives. "The motivation" implies a specific or primary reason that is already understood or has been previously mentioned.

How does "a motivation" differ from "an inspiration"?

"A motivation" is a reason or drive to do something, whereas "an inspiration" is a source of creative or emotional encouragement. While inspiration can lead to motivation, they aren't interchangeable.