certain motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific reason or intention behind someone's actions, often in a context where the motive is not fully disclosed or is ambiguous. Example: "The detective suspected that there was a certain motive behind the suspect's actions, but he couldn't prove it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And Prichard has his argument (which we have already seen) that we cannot be required to act from a certain motive, since our motivation is not something over which we have the required control.

SEP

There had been witnesses to the last attack, but no culprits had been identified, and no certain motive: except, of course, the motive that has caused the deaths since 2006 of at least 30 Mexican mayors.

The Economist

The conductor and composer Ernö Rapée followed the same line, writing that Wagner's "method of investing each one of his characters with a certain motive, called 'Leit Motiv' and applying this motive at every appearance of the character, but in different shadings to suit the surrounding conditions, is the one which can best be applied in scoring pictures".

The New Yorker

Nor can one have an obligation to act from a certain motive, for two reasons.

SEP

Every human action is caused by the person's volition, which is caused by a certain motive (dâ'iya).

SEP

But in that case, Sidgwick (as a non-intuitionist) is maintaining that right actions are those that have a certain motive.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In other words, why judge someone as the morally worst sort of person for having certain motives if these motives do not result in significant harm?

SEP

While some philosophers argue that certain motives, such as malevolence or malice, are necessary for evil, others focus instead on motives or desires that evildoers lack.

SEP

In general, we either have certain motives or we don't, and there is not a lot that we can do about it.

SEP

This means that the objective consequentialist can properly acknowledge that sometimes the best states of affairs result not just from undertaking certain behaviors, but from undertaking them with certain motives, including motives that are essentially personal.

SEP

The view in question must also be distinguished from the sociobiological hypothesis which had early precursors in Mencius and Hume that certain motives of benevolence are part of the genetic equipment which makes ethical behavior possible.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain motive" when you want to indicate that there's a specific, though perhaps not fully revealed, reason behind someone's actions. For example, in a mystery novel, you might say, "The detective suspected the killer had a "certain motive" related to the victim's past."

Common error

Avoid using "certain motive" when the motive is already explicitly known or obvious. It implies a degree of ambiguity or hiddenness, so if the motive is clear, use a more direct phrase like "obvious reason" or "stated purpose."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain motive" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "motive". It suggests a specific, though perhaps not fully revealed, reason for an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain motive" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, typically indicating a specific, though perhaps veiled, reason behind an action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Its use spans diverse contexts, from philosophical discussions to news reporting, without a strong bias toward formality. When using the phrase, consider the implication of an undisclosed or not-fully-understood reason. While alternatives such as "specific reason" or "particular intention" exist, "certain motive" carries a subtle connotation of ambiguity that might be crucial in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific reason

Focuses on the cause, highlighting the specificity of the reason.

particular intention

Emphasizes the aim or goal behind the action, being more intentional.

definite purpose

Highlights the clear and well-defined aim of the action.

precise cause

Zeroes in on the exact origin or reason behind the action.

determined objective

Stresses the resolute nature of the goal.

clear motivation

Emphasizes the transparency and unambiguity of the driving force.

distinct rationale

Highlights the unique and easily identifiable reasoning.

underlying cause

Focuses on the fundamental or root reason.

hidden agenda

Suggests a concealed or ulterior motivation.

driving force

Highlights the impetus or energy behind an action.

FAQs

How can I use "certain motive" in a sentence?

You can use "certain motive" when you want to indicate a specific, but perhaps not fully disclosed, reason behind someone's actions. Example: "The investigators believed the suspect had a "certain motive" that they were trying to uncover."

What are some alternatives to "certain motive"?

Alternatives include "specific reason", "particular intention", or "definite purpose", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a certain motive" or "one motive"?

"A certain motive" implies a specific, though perhaps not fully revealed, reason. "One motive" simply indicates that there was a single reason among possibly others. The choice depends on the context and the level of specificity you want to convey.

Can "certain motive" imply something negative?

Not necessarily, but it can suggest a motive that is not openly acknowledged or that might be considered questionable. The connotation depends heavily on the context in which it is used.