devoid of motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that lacks any underlying reason or intention. Example: "The detective concluded that the crime was committed by someone who was devoid of motive, making it difficult to identify a suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But even if the account is true, the death was accidental and devoid of motive, and the perpetrator is already living with those actions for the rest of his days.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The focus of his work is never in question and the motives are entirely devoid of ego.

The Guardian - Film

This study also found that E. coli cells devoid of major cell envelope structures/processes (porins, proton motive force (pmf), TolA, Pal, TonB, Braun's lipoprotein Lpp and with truncated LPS) also did not result in FRAP in confocal experiments.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

The main criteria for miRNA identification are: (i) presence of a sequence motive capable of forming a hairpin structure over at least 20 nucleotides devoid of large loops and bulges, and (ii) expression of a distinct RNA sequence approximately 22 nucleotide in length, originating from one of the hairpin arms [ 10].

BMC Genomics

Devoid of social value.

The New York Times

Devoid of all dismay.

Independent

Devoid of any empathy.

The New York Times

Oddly devoid of people.

The New York Times

Teenagers seem devoid of wonder.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's energetic but devoid of texture.

The New York Times - Arts

"Too many were devoid of much character".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devoid of motive", ensure the context clearly establishes what action or situation is being described as lacking a reason. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a lack of immediately apparent evidence equates to something being "devoid of motive". The motive may be obscure or complex, rather than nonexistent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of motive" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the absence of any underlying reason or motivation. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe actions or events that lack a clear reason.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of motive" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating the absence of any underlying reason or intention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and appears mostly in news, science, and academic contexts. While not a frequently used phrase, its function is to describe actions or events lacking discernible motives. Related phrases include "lacking a reason" or "without any motivation". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what lacks a motive to avoid any misinterpretations. A common pitfall is mistaking lack of evidence for a true absence of motive. While uncommon, the phrase is understood and adds clarity when discussing motiveless actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without any motivation

Emphasizes the complete absence of any internal drive or incentive.

lacking a reason

Focuses on the absence of a justifiable cause or explanation.

having no rationale

Highlights the absence of logical justification or reason.

absent of incentive

Highlights the lack of external encouragement or inducement.

lacking intent

Emphasizes the absence of a deliberate plan or objective.

unmotivated

A more concise adjective describing the state of not having a motive.

with no impetus

Emphasizes the lack of a driving force or stimulus.

without grounds

Focuses on the lack of a valid basis or foundation for an action.

without purpose

Indicates a lack of intentionality or a defined aim.

unreasoned

A descriptive adjective pointing to the lack of rational thought process

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of motive" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of motive" to describe an action or event that appears to have no underlying reason or intention. For example, "The act seemed "completely devoid of motive", puzzling investigators."

What are some alternatives to saying "devoid of motive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "lacking a reason", "without any motivation", or "absent of incentive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lacking motive" or "devoid of motive"?

Both "lacking motive" and "devoid of motive" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Lacking motive" might be slightly more common in everyday speech, while "devoid of motive" can sound more formal.

What does it mean for something to be "completely devoid of motive"?

When something is described as "completely devoid of motive", it implies that there is absolutely no discernible reason or intention behind it. It suggests a total absence of any underlying purpose or drive.