compelling motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compelling motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing reasons or motivations that are strong and persuasive, often in legal, psychological, or narrative discussions. Example: "The detective believed that the suspect had a compelling motive for committing the crime, which made the case more complex."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The same compelling motive already instigated strategic retrenchment at ABC's broadcast competitors.

The New York Times

Certainly, boredom with the same old step aerobics and stair-climber is a compelling motive.

The New York Times - Health

It promised an investigation and said the rebels had the most compelling motive for the slayings, strongly hinting that the rebels were responsible.

The New York Times

Although researchers differ on other points, there is a strong consensus that protecting themselves from discrimination is a compelling motive for many Asian-Americans in seeking academic success.

The New York Times - Science

We are told the back stories of each of the music-hall artists, which demonstrate that they all have a compelling motive for murder.

The Guardian

The most widely held theory is that Mrs. Pitre and Ruest were a pair so dominated by Guay and so basically amoral that they did not need what the ordinary person might consider a compelling motive.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

These are compelling human motives.

Huffington Post

Among the various acceptable reasons for taking a trip -- business, family obligation, vacation, spiritual growth -- is a compelling, seldom acknowledged motive: having the world's most perfect excuse at your fingertips.

The New York Times - Travel

While MDS' commercial motive alone is compelling, the lack of any transformative aspect to the infringement is dispositive of the first fair use factor.

Stanford University

It was narrative predestination -- slippery hints and overt premonitions of disaster -- that drove the book rather than the compelling inevitability of character and motive.

The New York Times - Books

In the absence of any eyewitnesses and in the light of the prosecution's failure to come up with a motive or any compelling evidence that Pistorius had intentionally killed Steenkamp, the highly experienced judge, Thokozile Masipa, saw no option but to dismiss the chief charge of premeditated murder – and to do so pretty summarily, as it turned out.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compelling motive", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the strength and persuasiveness of the reason. For example, in crime writing, a "compelling motive" should be believable and strong enough to drive the actions of the characters.

Common error

Avoid using "compelling motive" for trivial or weak reasons. The motive should genuinely be persuasive and substantial to justify the use of this strong descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compelling motive" functions as a noun phrase where "compelling" modifies "motive". It describes a reason or motivation that is particularly strong, persuasive, and convincing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used. The examples confirm that it frequently appears in contexts involving crime, investigation, and justification of actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compelling motive" describes a reason for action that is particularly strong and persuasive. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used. Analysis of various sources reveals its prevalence in news, media, and academic contexts, underscoring its utility in describing significant drivers behind events or decisions. When writing, remember that a "compelling motive" should be substantial and believable, justifying the use of this descriptor. While alternatives like "strong incentive" or "powerful reason" exist, "compelling motive" effectively conveys a forceful and persuasive underlying cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong incentive

Focuses on the reward or encouragement aspect of motivation.

powerful reason

Emphasizes the logical justification behind an action.

driving force

Highlights the element that propels action forward.

underlying motivation

Directs attention to the fundamental reason for behavior.

primary impetus

Stresses the initial spark or cause of an action.

key motivator

Identifies the most important factor in inducing action.

central rationale

Underscores the logical basis that justifies a decision.

chief determinant

Points to the main factor influencing an outcome.

significant influence

Indicates a notable impact on decision-making.

strong causal factor

Highlights the role of the motive as a cause of action.

FAQs

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

Use "compelling motive" to describe a powerful reason for someone's actions. For example, "The detective believed the suspect had a "compelling motive" for the crime".

What's a good alternative to "compelling motive"?

Alternatives include "strong incentive", "powerful reason", or "driving force", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a motive is compelling"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The adjective "compelling" describes the noun "motive", indicating that the motive is persuasive or forceful.

What makes a motive "compelling" as opposed to just a "motive"?

A "compelling" motive is one that is particularly convincing and persuasive, making the action it explains seem more understandable or even inevitable. A regular "motive" might simply be a reason without necessarily being a strong one.