a motto for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a motto for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a phrase or message that sums up a particular quality or attitude someone should have or have adopted. For example: "The scouts have adopted a motto for their troop: 'Be Prepared!'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Liberty has a motto for its cause: "Champions for Christ".

The New York Times - Sports

She presented him with a motto for Washington's Birthday.

The New Yorker

"Nothing happens" is hardly a motto for movies today.

The Guardian - Film

He offered a disclaimer that could serve as a motto for awards shows everywhere.

The New York Times

That could serve as a motto for central bankers, who are cautious by nature and profession.

The New York Times

Its title is as apt a motto for his cooking as anyone could coin.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. Blackman suggested a motto for the new building: "No child left underground".

The New York Times

"ANOTHER op'nin', another show" could be a motto for the touring repertory group the Acting Company.

The New York Times

It might be a motto for the network he works for.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think it's a motto for having a goal in life".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The university has a motto for the cause: "Champions for Christ".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a motto for", ensure it clearly reflects the core values or aspirations of the entity it represents. A well-chosen motto should be concise, memorable, and inspiring.

Common error

Avoid creating mottos that are too lengthy or use overly complex language. A good motto should be easily understood and remembered. Similarly, avoid generic phrases that don't capture the unique essence of what you're representing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a motto for" functions as an introductory phrase, typically used to present or describe a guiding principle, belief, or slogan associated with a person, group, or organization. It serves to establish a connection between the motto and its referent, clarifying its significance and purpose. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a motto for" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to introduce a guiding principle or slogan. It is versatile, fitting various contexts from news to formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. The phrase primarily serves to define and highlight core values, often with the intent to inspire. When employing "a motto for", aim for clarity and relevance to avoid overly complex or generic expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slogan for

Replaces 'motto' with 'slogan', which emphasizes a short and memorable phrase used in advertising or promotion.

a watchword for

Substitutes 'motto' with 'watchword', highlighting a word or phrase that encapsulates a principle or aim.

a guiding principle for

Expands 'motto' to 'guiding principle', stressing the foundational nature of the concept.

a maxim for

Replaces 'motto' with 'maxim', indicating a concise expression of a general truth or rule of conduct.

a byword for

Changes 'motto' to 'byword', suggesting something that is the epitome or a well-known example of something.

a catchphrase for

Replaces 'motto' with 'catchphrase', highlighting a popular or widely used expression.

an axiom for

Substitutes 'motto' with 'axiom', suggesting a self-evident truth that serves as a basis for reasoning.

a creed for

Changes 'motto' to 'creed', emphasizing a set of beliefs or principles.

a mantra for

Replaces 'motto' with 'mantra', highlighting a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation or a statement or slogan repeated frequently.

a rallying cry for

Substitutes 'motto' with 'rallying cry', stressing a phrase used to inspire or encourage support for a cause.

FAQs

How can I use "a motto for" in a sentence?

You can use "a motto for" to introduce a guiding principle or slogan that encapsulates the essence of something. For example, "'Always be prepared' is "a motto for" scouts worldwide."

What are some alternatives to using "a motto for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a slogan for", "a guiding principle for", or "a watchword for".

What makes a good motto?

A good motto is typically short, memorable, and reflective of the core values or purpose it represents. It should be easy to understand and inspiring. For instance, the motto "Never give up" embodies resilience.

How does a motto differ from a slogan?

While both mottos and slogans are short, memorable phrases, a motto usually represents a long-standing principle or ideal, whereas a slogan is often used for a specific campaign or marketing purpose. Think of "Honesty is the best policy" as a motto and "Just do it" as a slogan.