can be motivated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be motivated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for someone or something to be inspired or driven to take action or achieve a goal. Example: "Employees can be motivated by a positive work environment and recognition for their efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kant rejects the idea that human beings can be motivated in this way (Kant 1793, Bk I, sect. 2).

SEP

Parcells looks for players who can be motivated and often assigns the motivation to older teammates.

The New York Times - Sports

Students are not less motivated or talented, but possess other talents or can be motivated in different ways.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

10, 11, 21, 22 Meeting lower level needs alone is unlikely to lead to motivation though it is also unlikely dissatisfied workers can be motivated.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

The Protection Motivation Theory [ 82, 83] states that people can be motivated to protect their health by two processes: threat appraisal and coping appraisal.

BMC Public Health

But even an apparently self-effacing wish like this can be motivated by voyeurism and pride.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Find out as much as you can, be motivated by small results.

The New York Times - Sports

Like everyone else, they can be motivated only by sticks and carrots.

The Guardian

The fourth action, expanding distributed PV generation, can be motivated through public or private incentives.

Utilities Policy

Explores how studies of human vision can be motivated by, and enhance the capabilities of, machine-based systems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And there's the fact that changes in voting age can be motivated by politicians aiming to use demographics for political means.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be motivated", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is doing the motivating. Clarity avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all individuals or groups respond to the same motivators. Recognize that effective motivation strategies must be tailored to specific needs and contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be motivated" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or potential for someone or something to receive motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be motivated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating the potential for someone or something to be inspired or driven to action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a diverse range of sources, including science, news, and academic publications. While generally neutral, it is important to use the phrase with clarity, specifying the source of motivation and tailoring strategies to specific needs. Alternatives such as "may be inspired" or "can be encouraged" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be inspired

Suggests a lighter influence, focusing on inspiration rather than direct motivation.

can be encouraged

Implies a supporting influence to instill motivation.

may be incentivized

Focuses on external rewards as the driver for motivation.

can be stimulated

Indicates an activation of interest or enthusiasm.

may be persuaded

Highlights the act of convincing someone to be motivated.

can be driven

Suggests a strong, compelling force leading to motivation.

may be influenced

Implies a subtle effect on motivation.

can be impelled

Conveys a sense of urgency and strong inner drive.

may be activated

Focuses on triggering a pre-existing potential for motivation.

can be mobilized

Suggests harnessing existing resources to create motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "can be motivated" in a sentence?

Use "can be motivated" to express the potential for someone or something to be inspired or encouraged to take action. For instance, "Employees "can be motivated" through positive reinforcement and clear goals".

What are some alternatives to using "can be motivated"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "may be inspired", "can be encouraged", or "may be incentivized".

Is it correct to say "can be motivate" instead of "can be motivated"?

No, "can be motivate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""can be motivated"", where "motivated" is the past participle of the verb "motivate".

What's the difference between "can be motivated" and "is motivated"?

"Can be motivated" implies a potential or possibility for motivation, while "is motivated" indicates that motivation is currently present and active.