bad motives

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad motives" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you're referring to someone's underlying intentions or goals, particularly conditions that you view as being wrong, immoral, or unethical. For example: "We questioned his decision, suspecting that bad motives were behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The problem is that this approach to faith (and cooking) flies in the face of all the rest of human experience which is a matter of trial and error, mixed motivations, sincerity seesawing with bad motives and healthy doubts about everything we encounter.

Huffington Post

"He didn't have bad motives," the executive said.

The New Yorker

"They didn't do it with bad motives," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Perry is also being accused of bad motives.

The New York Times

They would instead grow more likely to impute bad motives or pathologies to people on the right.

The Washington Post

I wish sometimes you had a few bad motives, you might understand a little more about human beings.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

If the debt secured by a mortgage be justly due, it is no defense to a foreclosure that the mortgagee was animated by hostility or other bad motive.

Cornell University

You speak as if wanting to release an NHS bed, letting your weary children off the hook of looking after you, were a bad motive but I think those are rather good motives, they're altruistic.

The Guardian

Utilitarianism also differs from ethical theories that make the rightness or wrongness of an act dependent upon the motive of the agent, for, according to the utilitarian, it is possible for the right thing to be done from a bad motive.

Britannica

It was easier to take out Saddam -- and burnish Mr. Bush's credentials as a slam-dunk "war president," suitable for a "Top Gun" victory jig -- than to shut down Al Qaeda and smoke out its leader "dead or alive". But just as politics are a bad motive for choosing a war, so they can be a doomed engine for running a war.

The New York Times

Prosecutors alleged a similar bad motive in the case of Kiriakou: By their telling, the former CIA officer wanted to raise his profile so he could get consulting work and sell a book, so he leaked classified information, including the name of a CIA operative involved in the agency's controversial interrogation methods.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When accusing someone of having "bad motives", ensure you have substantial evidence or a well-reasoned argument to support your claim. Avoid making unsubstantiated accusations.

Common error

While "bad motives" is widely understood, its directness might not always be suitable for formal or sensitive discussions. Consider using softer alternatives like "questionable intentions" or "ulterior motives" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad motives" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bad" modifies the noun "motives". As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase, typically functioning to describe underlying intentions or goals viewed as negative or unethical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad motives" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unethical or questionable intentions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in various contexts, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and academic discussions. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring sufficient evidence supports any accusations of "bad motives". Consider softer alternatives like "ulterior motives" or "questionable intentions" in more formal settings. When expressing concerns about someone's actions, focus on observable behaviors rather than jumping to conclusions about their underlying "bad motives".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ulterior motives

Emphasizes hidden or concealed intentions, often with a negative implication.

questionable intentions

Highlights the uncertainty or doubt surrounding someone's purposes.

nefarious purposes

Suggests wicked or evil aims, intensifying the negativity.

dubious motivations

Focuses on the uncertainty and potential dishonesty behind someone's actions.

sinister designs

Implies a cunning and malevolent plan or scheme.

corrupt aims

Highlights the moral decay or dishonesty associated with the goals.

dishonorable intentions

Focuses on the lack of integrity and ethical standards.

malicious intent

Emphasizes the desire to cause harm or suffering.

unscrupulous objectives

Highlights the lack of moral principles in pursuing specific goals.

self-serving purposes

Implies that actions are primarily motivated by personal gain, often at the expense of others.

FAQs

How can I use "bad motives" in a sentence?

You can use "bad motives" to describe someone's underlying intentions when you believe they are wrong or unethical. For example, "We suspected that "bad motives" were behind his decision".

What's a less accusatory way to suggest someone has "bad motives"?

Instead of directly accusing someone of having "bad motives", you could say they have "ulterior motives" or that their "intentions are questionable". These phrases are less direct and may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Is it ever appropriate to assume someone has "bad motives"?

It's generally best to avoid assuming someone has "bad motives" without sufficient evidence. Making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and damage relationships. Focus on the person's actions and the impact they have, rather than speculating about their motives.

What is the difference between "bad motives" and "malice"?

"Bad motives" refer to the underlying reasons for someone's actions, suggesting they are unethical or wrong. "Malice" refers to the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm. While both involve negative intent, "malice" implies a stronger desire to cause harm than simply having "bad motives".