chief motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary reason or driving force behind an action or decision. Example: "The chief motive behind the company's expansion was to increase market share and profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The terms of the amendment, notwithstanding the chief motive for its adoption, were not so limited.

Cornell University

Vilar's chief motive for embezzling seems to be to give the money away.

The New Yorker

So when MPs or other Labour voices condemn Corbyn and his team, their chief motive is not ideological disagreement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sauvage's chief motive seems to be overpowering boredom, which is to Mr. Malkovich what sputtering rage is to Al Pacino.

The New York Times

One chief motive seemed clear: the defeat of Islamic militance in Central Asia, on Russia's southern doorstep.

The New York Times

Because isn't that the chief motive, as well as loss of public image, for them leaving the profession, for the huge exit of teachers into private industry?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

By Bush's own account, revenge was among his chief motives in sanctioning torture.

The New Yorker

The desire to tie it down was one of the chief motives of the German and French politicians who founded what has become the European Union.

The Economist

Even as these crimes unfolded, the Tate Britain curators persisted in their scholarly labors, surveying 500 years of assaults on British art and coming up with three chief motives: religion, politics and aesthetics.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the chief motives was Radio 1's chagrin that Peel's late-night slot gives him almost all of the station's precious weekday allotment of VHF stereo time - and he uses it for scruffy experimental bands.

The Guardian

2. Caring supremely or unduly for one's self, regarding one's own comfort, advantage, etc. 3. (Ethics) Believing or teaching that the chief motives of human action are derived from love of self.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief motive", ensure it accurately reflects the most important reason behind an action, distinguishing it from secondary or less significant factors. Consider if a more specific term like "incentive" or "cause" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "chief motive" when you actually mean a justification or rationalization after the action. "Motive" implies a reason before the action, not an excuse or explanation afterward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief motive" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes the principal reason or driving force behind an action or decision. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief motive" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase referring to the principal reason behind an action. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news articles, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using "chief motive", consider if a more specific term like "incentive" or "cause" may be more appropriate and, ensure that it accurately represents the primary reason and not a post-hoc justification. Alternatives include "primary reason" or "main incentive". The phrase generally maintains a neutral tone, suiting formal discussions and analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary motivation

Focuses more on the psychological drive behind the action.

central motivation

Highlights the core psychological factor.

main incentive

Highlights the reward or benefit that drives the action.

principal reason

Emphasizes the logical justification for the action.

primary driving force

Adds emphasis on the 'driving' aspect of the motive.

driving force

Suggests a powerful influence that propels the action.

fundamental reason

Focuses on the bedrock reason behind an action.

underlying cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason behind the action, often less obvious.

key impetus

Implies a sudden force or energy that initiates the action.

prime mover

Emphasizes the initiating role of the motive.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief motive" to describe the main reason behind someone's actions, for example: "The "chief motive" for his decision was financial gain.".

What are some alternatives to "chief motive"?

Some alternatives to "chief motive" include "primary reason", "main incentive", or "principal reason", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the chief motive was because"?

While understandable, it's generally better to rephrase sentences that start with "the chief motive was because". A more concise and grammatically sound alternative would be: "The "chief motive" was [noun phrase]" or "The "chief motive" stemmed from [noun phrase]".

What's the difference between "chief motive" and "ulterior motive"?

"Chief motive" refers to the main, often stated, reason. An "ulterior motive" is a hidden, often less honorable, reason. Unlike "chief motive", "ulterior motive" is intentionally concealed.