hidden motives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden motives" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing someone's underlying intentions that are not immediately apparent. For example, "She seemed friendly, but I suspected she had hidden motives for helping me." Alternative expressions include "ulterior motives" and "concealed intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Many sensed hidden motives behind the drumbeat of war.

The New York Times

Instead, she vaguely suggested that the president could have hidden motives for the order that somehow affect its legality.

The Washington Post

The National Autonomous University says this is a separate issue and that Aguirre has hidden motives for shutting up shop.

The Guardian

However, the discovery of the two villages has stalled the process, with both sides claiming hidden motives.

The New York Times

We are drawn to the idea of conspiracy because it resonates with us; we understand the idea of people being self-interested and not having our best interests at heart, and having hidden motives and getting together to do shady stuff.

The Guardian

They wonder whether there are hidden motives behind the effort -- to convince the public that the government is working hard to fight terrorism; to isolate foreigners who do not agree to the voluntary interviews for more scrutiny, or to compile a dossier of a segment of the population now deemed suspicious.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Hillerman's great skill is in throwing out possible scenarios while hiding motive in a complex web of myth, exotic characters and remote places.

Los Angeles Times

"Japan's unreasonable criticism of China's normal maritime activities and its hyping up of the China threat has hidden political motives," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

BBC

With her helmet of hair and black-slash eyebrows, Julianna Margulies's Florrick was a mysterious figure, gifted at hiding motives, even from herself.

The New Yorker

He understands that the people think he is hiding ulterior motives.

The New York Times

Many of the hosts remembered most since World War II have entertained with a decided business slant, some hiding their motives better than others: Malcolm Forbes, Andy Warhol, the real estate agent Alice Mason and, before them, Benjamin Sonnenberg, the almost ducal public relations executive whose spirit might still be alive in Midtown.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing characters in literature or historical figures, consider their "hidden motives" to gain a deeper understanding of their actions and decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden motives" too frequently in your writing; vary your language with alternatives like "ulterior motives" or "concealed intentions" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden motives" functions as a noun phrase, where 'hidden' modifies 'motives'. This indicates underlying reasons for actions that are not openly stated or easily perceived. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used correctly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hidden motives" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that implies concealed intentions behind actions. As Ludwig AI states, it's correctly applied in various contexts, including news, academia, and scientific analysis. While the phrase is acceptable and widely understood, varying language using alternatives like "ulterior motives" or "concealed intentions" can enhance writing. The presence of "hidden motives" often suggests suspicion or a need for deeper scrutiny, making it a valuable tool for critical analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ulterior motives

Emphasizes that the motives are not only hidden but also potentially self-serving or disingenuous.

concealed intentions

Focuses on the act of deliberately keeping intentions secret or covered.

secret agendas

Highlights the presence of a planned course of action that is kept hidden from others.

underlying reasons

Shifts the focus to the foundational causes that are not immediately apparent.

unspoken motivations

Suggests that the motivations are not explicitly stated but can be inferred.

covert purposes

Implies that the purposes are intentionally concealed, often for strategic reasons.

veiled objectives

Indicates that the objectives are obscured or disguised, making them difficult to discern.

tacit motivations

Suggests that the motivations are understood without being openly expressed.

unacknowledged intentions

Focuses on intentions that are not openly admitted or recognized.

private designs

Emphasizes the personal and secretive nature of the plans or intentions.

FAQs

How can I identify "hidden motives" in someone's behavior?

Look for inconsistencies between their words and actions, consider their past behavior, and be aware of potential conflicts of interest. Trust your intuition, but also seek objective evidence.

What is the difference between "hidden motives" and "ulterior motives"?

"Hidden motives" simply implies that the motives are not immediately apparent. "Ulterior motives" suggests that the motives are not only hidden, but also potentially self-serving or dishonest.

When is it appropriate to suspect someone of having "hidden motives"?

It is appropriate to suspect "hidden motives" when there is a pattern of behavior that seems inconsistent or when someone stands to gain significantly from a particular outcome.

What are some examples of "hidden motives" in politics?

Examples include politicians supporting policies that benefit their personal financial interests, or governments using humanitarian aid as a cover for military intervention.