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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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motivated about

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "motivated about" is not technically correct.
You could say "motivated by" instead. For example: He was motivated by his desire to help others.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Maybe it's better this way because we have plenty to still be motivated about," defensive end Michael Strahan said.

- Staff motivation: GOB and UNICEF staff are very motivated about the project and its activities.

Formal & Business

Unicef

Didn't feel motivated about some things.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Tony was so motivated about what we were doing, and he made everyone feel the same.

They are petrified that their own loyalists do not seem very motivated about voting in November.

At Yale, everyone I met was enthusiastic and motivated about their university, academic study and extracurricular activities.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

They're more practiced at thinking about what the right priorities are, how I self-motivate about the things that matter to me most.

Andy Molinsky: What is particularly motivating about this work for you?

News & Media

Forbes

There's something uniquely motivating about shopping for sports bras.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Would embedding content in a prose story be as effective or is there something inherently motivating about comics that engage students?

Motivated people are motivated not just about work, but about life.

News & Media

Forbes
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "motivated about" appears in numerous sources, consider using more grammatically sound alternatives like "motivated by" or "enthusiastic about" to enhance clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "about" when "by" or "for" more accurately conveys the source or purpose of motivation. Incorrect preposition usage can weaken the impact of your message and detract from your professional image.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

3.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "motivated about" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating their state of being driven or enthusiastic. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically questionable and suggests alternatives like "motivated by".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "motivated about" is relatively common, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it is considered grammatically questionable. It functions adjectivally to describe someone's enthusiasm or drive, but better alternatives such as "motivated by", "enthusiastic about", or "passionate about" are recommended to improve grammatical correctness and clarity. This is especially crucial in formal or scientific writing. Despite its frequent appearance in news and media, adopting more precise language enhances your writing's credibility. As Ludwig AI suggests, opting for grammatically sound alternatives ensures effective communication and avoids potential misinterpretations.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "motivated about"?

A better alternative to "motivated about" is "motivated by", which correctly indicates the cause or reason for motivation.

How can I use "motivated by" in a sentence?

For example, you could say, "He was motivated by the desire to help others", where "by" introduces the source of his motivation.

Which preposition should I use after "motivated": "by", "about", or "for"?

While "motivated about" is sometimes used, it's generally better to use "motivated by" to indicate the cause or "motivated for" to express the purpose.

Are there contexts where "motivated about" is acceptable?

While commonly found, especially in informal contexts, it's safer to opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "enthusiastic about" or "passionate about" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

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Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

3.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: