an array of motives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of motives" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a variety of reasons or motivations behind an action or decision. Example: "The detective uncovered an array of motives that could have driven the suspect to commit the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Human actions are determined by an array of motives and impulses that come into play once the subject leaves the scanning machine.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

From there it is a billowy adventure of a book, scarcely bound to the conventions of narrative, as Sal drifts through the world and meets an array of people with wildly varying motives, values and lifestyles.

The New York Times - Books

Wasps have an array of skills.

Independent

John has an array of sweatshirts.

The New York Times - Sports

Other portals offer an array of content.

The New Yorker

Cue an array of ill-designed shots.

Independent

Mr. Espada faces an array of problems.

The New York Times

There are an array of investment options.

The Guardian - Money

She exuded an array of unique talents.

The New York Times

I have an array of voices.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Florida has an array of contentious contests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an array of motives", ensure that the context clearly indicates that there are multiple, distinct motivations involved. Avoid using it when only one primary motive exists.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of motives" when referring to different facets of a single motive. "Array" implies distinct and independent motivations, not simply variations of one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of motives" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig shows it describes multiple reasons or driving forces behind an action or decision.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an array of motives" is a phrase used to indicate multiple distinct reasons or motivations behind a specific action or event. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. It's most commonly found in news and media sources, suggesting a formal but accessible tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the existence of several independent motivations rather than variations of a single one. Alternatives such as "a multitude of reasons" or "a diverse range of motivations" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of reasons

Replaces "array" with "multitude", emphasizing a large number of reasons.

a diverse range of motivations

Substitutes "array" with "range" and "motives" with "motivations", highlighting diversity.

various underlying motivations

Replaces "array" with "various underlying", focusing on the hidden nature of motivations.

a spectrum of reasons

Uses "spectrum" as a metaphor for variety, applicable when motives vary widely.

a host of incentives

Replaces "motives" with "incentives", suggesting motivations are primarily driven by external rewards.

a collection of motivations

Emphasizes that the motivations are gathered together.

a series of motivating factors

Focuses on the element of motivating factors behind the actions.

multiple driving forces

Highlights that multiple forces are propelling actions or decisions.

several different reasons

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express the idea of multiple reasons.

an assortment of causal factors

Substitutes "motives" with "causal factors", which refers to the various reasons that influence the event.

FAQs

How can I use "an array of motives" in a sentence?

You can use "an array of motives" to describe the multiple reasons or motivations behind an action or decision. For example: "The investigation revealed "an array of motives" that could have led to the crime."

What are some alternatives to "an array of motives"?

Alternatives include "a multitude of reasons", "a diverse range of motivations", or "various underlying motivations", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "an array of motives" or "a lot of reasons"?

"An array of motives" is generally more formal and sophisticated than "a lot of reasons". "A lot of reasons" is suitable for informal contexts.

How does "an array of motives" differ from "a single motive"?

"An array of motives" indicates multiple distinct reasons or motivations, while "a single motive" suggests only one primary reason driving an action. The choice depends on whether there are multiple factors at play or just one.