clear motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasons behind someone's actions, particularly in contexts like crime, psychology, or decision-making. Example: "The detective was convinced that the suspect had a clear motive for committing the crime, which made the investigation more straightforward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, there was no clear motive.

The New Yorker

Investigators said there was no clear motive.

The New York Times

A clear motive was never established by police.

The Guardian

But players saw a clear motive: to curtail their pregame handshake rituals.

The New York Times

Why would a jury convict a man with no clear motive and without forensic evidence?

Independent

Police don't have a good description of the suspects, or a clear motive for the shooting.

The New York Times

Mr. Konovalov never retracted his confession but was not able to offer a clear motive.

The New York Times

None of these groups has a clear motive for picking up Levinson.

Independent

Nonetheless, Chief Shea emphasized that detectives were still working to determine a clear motive.

The New York Times

The documents did not provide a clear motive for the firings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And he is not shy about any of it, putting all of these details on a board, along with his crystal-clear motive: "Please Date Me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear motive", ensure the context provides enough information for the motive to be genuinely understandable to the audience. Avoid vagueness.

Common error

Don't assume a motive is "clear" simply because it seems obvious to you. Ensure the evidence supports the claim of a readily understandable reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear motive" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "clear" modifies the noun "motive". It's used to describe a reason or impetus that is easily understood or apparent. This is reinforced by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used in various contexts to describe understandable reasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear motive" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an easily understandable reason behind an action or decision. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase functions as a noun phrase and is frequently used in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "obvious reason" or "evident cause" exist, "clear motive" provides a specific emphasis on the comprehensibility of the underlying motivation. When employing this phrase, ensure the context supports the assertion of a readily understandable reason, avoiding assumptions of clarity without sufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious reason

This alternative uses simpler language, focusing on the straightforward nature of the reason.

evident cause

This alternative emphasizes the readily apparent nature of the cause or reason.

apparent incentive

This alternative highlights the motivating factor that is easily perceived.

unmistakable motivation

This alternative stresses the lack of ambiguity in the motivation.

plain rationale

This alternative uses "rationale" to suggest a logical and understandable reason.

readily apparent reason

This alternative emphasizes the ease with which the reason can be understood.

easily understood motivation

This alternative focuses on the comprehensibility of the motivation.

discernible purpose

This alternative highlights the ability to recognize the underlying aim or goal.

unconcealed impetus

This alternative suggests that the driving force behind the action is not hidden.

transparent justification

This alternative uses "justification" to imply a reason that defends or explains the action, and stresses that it is transparent.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear motive" to describe a readily understandable reason behind someone's actions. For instance, "The suspect had a "clear motive" for the crime, as he stood to inherit a large sum of money."

What are some alternatives to saying "clear motive"?

You can use alternatives such as "obvious reason", "evident cause", or "apparent incentive" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to have a "clear motive" in a story or investigation?

While a "clear motive" can make a narrative or investigation more straightforward, it's not always necessary. Sometimes the absence of a discernible reason can add complexity or mystery.

What does it mean when investigators say there is "no clear motive"?

When investigators state there is "no clear motive", it means they haven't found an easily understandable reason for the crime or action. This often makes the investigation more challenging.