different motives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different motives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing various reasons or intentions behind someone's actions or decisions. Example: "The detective uncovered different motives for the crime, suggesting that multiple suspects had their own reasons for being involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of these differences could be explained by different motives for implementation.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Leakers have different motives.

The Guardian

They often have different motives.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Different CCPs may have different motives.

The Economist

There are different motives and techniques.

The Guardian

But different periods have featured different motives in the ascendancy.

The New York Times

Of course, Albanians and Serbs voted with different motives today.

The New York Times

Mohammed's decisions were shaped by entirely different motives.

The Guardian

They, too, come with different motives and beliefs.

The Guardian

For every courageous reporter, another has different motives and standards.

The New York Times

Each segment exhibits different motives underlying its brand choice pattern.

European Management Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different motives" when analyzing actions in complex scenarios where a single explanation is insufficient, highlighting the varied reasons behind choices.

Common error

Avoid attributing a single motive to a group of people; instead, consider and specify the "different motives" that might be influencing their actions. This adds nuance and accuracy to your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different motives" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "different" modifies the noun "motives". It highlights the diversity of reasons or intentions behind actions, decisions, or behaviors. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different motives" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that individuals or groups have varying reasons for their actions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability across diverse contexts, ranging from academia and science to news and media. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the specific context and clarify that not everyone involved shares the same intentions. Alternatives such as "varying reasons" and "diverse intentions" can provide subtle shifts in meaning depending on the situation. Avoiding generalizations about motivations will improve clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varying reasons

This alternative focuses on the idea of reasons that are not all the same, similar to having different motives.

diverse intentions

This phrase highlights the variety in purposes or aims, much like "different motives" implies.

various motivations

This option emphasizes the different driving forces behind actions, akin to "different motives".

distinct objectives

This alternative points out the separate and clear goals that individuals might have.

contrasting purposes

This phrase suggests that the aims are not just different, but also set in opposition to each other.

mixed motivations

This implies a blend of various driving forces, where "different motives" suggests distinct and separate intentions.

separate agendas

Focuses on the plans or goals that are hidden and individual, where "different motives" is broader.

divergent aims

Highlights how aims start from a common point but diverge, which is similar to having "different motives".

individual incentives

Suggests that each person has a unique encouragement or reason to act.

unique rationales

This emphasizes the justification behind actions being distinct for each person, similar to "different motives".

FAQs

How can I use "different motives" in a sentence?

You can use "different motives" to indicate that various individuals or groups have varying reasons for their actions. For example, "The investigation revealed that the suspects had "different motives" for committing the crime".

What are some alternatives to "different motives"?

Some alternatives include "varying reasons", "diverse intentions", or "various motivations". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "different motives" or "various motives"?

"Different motives" and "various motives" are quite similar, but "different motives" emphasizes the distinct nature of each individual's reason, whereas "various motives" simply acknowledges multiple reasons exist.

What does it mean when people have "different motives"?

When people have "different motives", it means they are driven by "varying reasons", goals, or desires. These can be influenced by personal values, circumstances, or external factors.