basic motive for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic motive for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental reason or driving force behind an action or decision. Example: "The basic motive for her decision to move was to seek better job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

By that time, the maximum tax on earned income was down to fifty per cent, and that removed the basic motive for the corporate arrangement.

The New Yorker

The basic motive for the belief in and veneration of saints is, primarily, the recognition by people of religious persons whom they view as holy.

Britannica

What makes a MedImmune postdoc position different from the typical academic postdoc is the company's basic motive for discovery, says Lei-yun "Janney" Weng, who earned her Ph.D. at the Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, spent 3 years as a postdoc at the Baylor University medical school, and then followed her Baylor mentor when he moved to MedImmune.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the context of fertility postponement and increasing childlessness, the study seeks to understand how reproductive choices are shaped by people's most basic motives for parenthood.

Princeton University

"The basic motive has always been to make things better for anybody who's stepping into my shoes after me," she says.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"PROFIT is not our basic motive," says David Bigelow.

The Economist

There seems no question that the basic motive is to sell more strong stuff.

Los Angeles Times

However the basic motive that drives the 'for-profit' sector demands that these involve a financial pay off in the long term.

Health Research Policy and Systems

For some basic motives such as hunger, thirst, and sex, a biological approach emphasizing regulatory mechanisms has dominated the thinking of researchers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We all have a basic need for acceptance and approval by social groups," says Orville Gilbert Brim, author of The Fame Motive: A Treatise on its Origin and Life Course.

Forbes

The story is as simple in its basic motives as it is elaborate in incident.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basic motive for" to introduce the most fundamental reason behind a situation, distinguishing it from secondary factors.

Common error

Avoid listing contributing factors as the "basic motive for". The basic motive should be the core, underlying reason, not simply an influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic motive for" functions as a prepositional phrase that identifies the fundamental reason or impetus behind an action, decision, or belief. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic motive for" serves to pinpoint the foundational reason or driving force behind an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound, it's important to distinguish the core motive from related contributing factors. Alternatives like "primary reason for" or "underlying rationale for" can offer nuanced variations. Understanding the contexts—spanning news, science, and academia—helps in applying the phrase effectively. By clarifying the fundamental 'why', "basic motive for" enhances transparency and depth in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary reason for

Focuses on the reason being the main or most important one, shifting from 'motive' to 'reason'.

basic rationale behind

Emphasizes the reasoning behind an action, highlighting the logical justification.

fundamental cause of

Highlights the causal aspect, indicating the root or primary cause instead of just a motive.

main impetus behind

Emphasizes the driving force or initial push, differing slightly from a planned motive.

core motivation for

Uses 'motivation' instead of 'motive', stressing the psychological aspect of what drives an action.

underlying rationale for

Replaces 'motive' with 'rationale', suggesting a more reasoned or logical basis.

chief inspiration for

Highlights the inspirational aspect, focusing on what sparked the action or decision.

essential driver of

Focuses on the driving force behind something, emphasizing its importance and impact.

root instigation of

Implies an action that starts or provokes something, highlighting the commencement.

principal incentive for

Shifts the focus to the incentive, suggesting a reward or advantage that motivates the action.

FAQs

How can I use "basic motive for" in a sentence?

Use "basic motive for" to introduce the primary reason or driving force behind an action, decision, or belief. For example, "The "basic motive for" the project was to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "basic motive for"?

You can use phrases like "primary reason for", "fundamental cause of", or "underlying rationale for" as alternatives to "basic motive for", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "basic motive for" and "main reason for"?

While similar, "basic motive for" emphasizes the underlying psychological or intentional aspect, whereas "main reason for" simply highlights the most important reason. You could say "The "basic motive for" the policy change was to promote fairness", while "The "main reason for" the policy change was budget cuts".

Is "basic motive for" a formal or informal expression?

"Basic motive for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might consider using "underlying rationale for" or a similar alternative.