defensible motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defensible motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or justifications for actions that can be supported or defended logically or ethically. Example: "The defendant presented a defensible motive for his actions, arguing that he was acting in self-defense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The amalgamation of two very different events may be intended to put a defensible motive for the invasion – the overthrow of a dictator – in the shop window without having to explain and justify the imposition of foreign rule, so similar to imperialist ventures in the 19th or early 20th centuries.

Independent

He had come to believe, he told the reference work Contemporary Authors in 2005, that there was only one defensible motive for writing about film: "To contribute, in however modest a way, to the possibility of social revolution, along lines suggested by radical feminism, Marxism and gay liberation".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I've just started to review the allegations," he added, "and I'm hopeful that we will be able to demonstrate that the charges are defensible and that his motives were not corrupt".

The New York Times

Even if the NSA's motives were defensible, Snowden perceived that with the new, omnipresent data-gathering system in place, the American government had pushed past the boundaries of acceptable conduct– that given the wrong leader, the country could begin a slide into despotism.

BBC

Were our actions defensible?

The New York Times

This reluctance is defensible.

The Economist

Is his claim defensible?

The New Yorker

It is not defensible.

The Guardian

This execution is defensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

How is that defensible?

The Guardian

This is not defensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defensible motive", ensure that you can clearly articulate the reasons or evidence that support the motive. Provide specific details to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "defensible motive" as an absolute truth. Acknowledge potential counterarguments or limitations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defensible motive" functions as a noun phrase, where 'defensible' modifies 'motive'. It describes a reason for action that can be justified or defended. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as seen in examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defensible motive" is a valid and usable term, primarily found in news and media contexts, according to Ludwig AI. It's used to describe a reason for an action that can be justified or defended. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare. When using this phrase, ensure that you can clearly articulate the reasons or evidence supporting the motive to enhance the credibility of your argument. Alternative phrases like "justifiable reason" or "valid rationale" can be used depending on the context. It's important to remember that a "defensible motive" is not necessarily a "good motive" but rather one that can be logically explained and supported.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifiable reason

Emphasizes the legitimacy and fairness of the reason.

valid rationale

Highlights the logical soundness and basis of the reasoning.

defendable justification

Focuses on the ability to argue in favor of the justification.

supportable cause

Stresses the evidence and backing for the cause.

tenable ground

Implies a position that can be maintained against attack.

sustainable argument

Suggests the argument can be maintained over time or under scrutiny.

reasonable explanation

Highlights the logical and rational nature of the explanation.

plausible incentive

Emphasizes the believability and attractiveness of the incentive.

legitimate motivation

Focuses on the lawfulness and acceptability of the motivation.

vindicateable purpose

Indicates a purpose that can be cleared of blame or suspicion.

FAQs

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

You can use "defensible motive" to describe a reason for action that can be logically or ethically justified. For example, "The lawyer argued that his client had a "defensible motive" for the theft: feeding his starving family."

What's a "defensible motive"?

A "defensible motive" is a reason for doing something that can be supported with evidence and logic, making it justifiable even if the action itself is questionable.

What can I say instead of "defensible motive"?

Alternatives include "justifiable reason", "valid rationale", or "supportable cause". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "defensible motive" the same as "good motive"?

Not necessarily. A "defensible motive" is one that can be argued for and supported, while a "good motive" implies moral or ethical approval. A "defensible motive" might not always be considered morally good, but it is understandable and can be justified.