finding motivation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finding motivation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of seeking or discovering reasons or inspiration to engage in a particular activity or task. Example: "I have been struggling with my writing lately, and I'm focused on finding motivation for my next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As we brace for 2019 and stack up our resolutions, Broadly is focusing on finding motivation for the hard tasks that await us like getting out of bed.

Vice

As we enter 2019 and stack up our resolutions, Broadly is focusing on finding motivation for the hard tasks that await us like getting out of bed.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The task of finding a motivation for the myriad of characters to pitch up at the party leads to some hammy plot devices, which feel forced even in a genre where hammy plot devices are the norm.

BBC

But all the actors are admirably engaged; you can sense the work that went into finding their motivations for the play's mood shifts and eruptions of dark feeling.

The New York Times

Persons with depression may have more pronounced difficulties finding the motivation necessary for any change in lifestyle, both regarding diet changes or physical exercise habits, which has possibly contributed to the modest change in SWN score in the SfW group.

BMC Psychiatry

Are these findings your motivation for speaking so many languages?

The Guardian

These findings provided motivation for further characterization of the RSC02 mutant.

AMB Express

Taken together, these findings provide motivation for using the GEMM Kras signature for predicting response to targeted inhibitors of the MAPK pathway, including those targeting MEK.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

This construct does however fit with the qualitative and quantitative findings on motivation for choosing dentistry as a professional career, precisely because the job provides flexibility and enables them to have a 'contained professional career'.

BMC Oral Health

I find the cold, wet, dark days the worst for finding the motivation and drive to start a new routine.

Independent

The success of the campaign so far lies in the fact that hundreds of thousands of people have found no difficulty in finding the motivation to fight for a yes vote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, frame research questions around "finding motivation for" to explore the underlying causes of behaviors or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "finding motivation for" as a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, tailor your approach to the specific context, recognizing that motivation is often multifaceted and individualized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finding motivation for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of discovering or seeking the reasons or incentives to engage in a particular activity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "finding motivation for" accurately describes the process of identifying reasons or incentives to undertake a task. Grammatically correct and commonly used, as verified by Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "seeking inspiration for" or "discovering incentives for" exist, "finding motivation for" effectively conveys the active search for underlying drivers. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and tailor the approach to motivation to specific situations, as motivation can be multifaceted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identifying reasons for

Focuses on the intellectual process of pinpointing causes or justifications.

seeking inspiration for

Emphasizes the search for creative or emotional stimulation to drive action.

discovering incentives for

Highlights the uncovering of rewards or benefits that encourage action.

cultivating enthusiasm for

Suggests a deliberate effort to develop a strong positive feeling.

generating interest in

Focuses on creating a sense of curiosity or engagement.

fostering desire for

Implies nurturing a strong longing or inclination.

finding the drive for

Highlights the internal force or energy needed to accomplish something.

establishing purpose for

Focuses on defining a clear aim or goal.

uncovering rationale for

Emphasizes the discovery of a logical basis or justification.

developing eagerness for

Suggests building a strong sense of anticipation and willingness.

FAQs

How can I use "finding motivation for" in a sentence?

You can use "finding motivation for" to describe the process of seeking reasons or incentives to do something, as in "She is currently focused on finding motivation for her next big project".

What are some alternatives to "finding motivation for"?

Alternatives include "seeking inspiration for", "identifying reasons for", or "discovering incentives for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "finding motivation to" or "finding motivation for"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "finding motivation for" typically refers to finding the reasons or causes behind an action, whereas "finding motivation to" emphasizes the action itself. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "finding motivation for" and "having motivation for"?

"Finding motivation for" implies an active search or discovery process, whereas "having motivation for" suggests a pre-existing state of being driven or incentivized. For example, "I'm finding motivation for my work by setting small goals", versus "I already have motivation for completing that work".