motivated by

USAGE SUMMARY

"motivated by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when describing something that is driven by a particular feeling or emotion. For example: She was motivated by a strong desire to help those in need.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Was motivated by political convictions.

The Economist

We're not motivated by that".

The New York Times

They aren't motivated by cash.

Independent

He was motivated by injustice.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm motivated by practical questions.

The New York Times

Both are motivated by fetishes.

Independent

I was motivated by that.

The New Yorker

"They're motivated by conscience".

The New York Times

Was the preservation motivated by parsimony?

The New York Times

"You have to be motivated by hate.

BBC

Violence is motivated by vendetta, or jealousies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "motivated by", clearly state the specific factor influencing the action. For instance, instead of saying "They were motivated", specify "They were motivated by the desire for change".

Common error

Don't use "motivated by" with unclear or overly broad reasons. Instead of saying "He was motivated by success", be specific: "He was motivated by the prospect of financial independence and recognition in his field".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "motivated by" functions as a passive adjectival phrase, describing the reason or impetus behind someone's actions or decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its use in various contexts, indicating its flexibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "motivated by" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the driving force behind actions or decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, attests to its broad applicability. When using "motivated by", clarity is key; clearly stating the specific factor influencing the action will enhance understanding. While alternatives like "driven by" and "inspired by" exist, "motivated by" remains a reliable choice for conveying the reasons behind behavior, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driven by

Emphasizes an external force compelling the action, shifting the focus to the source of motivation.

inspired by

Highlights the influence of something positive and uplifting, suggesting a creative or emotional impetus.

prompted by

Indicates a more immediate and direct cause, often a specific event or circumstance.

led by

Suggests guidance or direction from a particular principle or goal.

actuated by

A more formal and less common way of saying 'motivated by', indicating a mechanical or deliberate driving force.

under the influence of

Suggests a broader and potentially less direct effect, implying a more pervasive force.

with the incentive of

Highlights the reward or benefit that drives the action.

with the aim of

Focuses on the intended outcome or goal of the action.

stimulated by

Highlights the energizing or exciting effect of something on the action.

spurred on by

Suggests a catalyst or encouragement that propels the action forward.

FAQs

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

Use "motivated by" to describe the reason or incentive behind someone's actions. For example, "The scientist was "motivated by" a desire to find a cure for the disease".

What are some alternatives to "motivated by"?

You can use alternatives such as "driven by", "inspired by", or "prompted by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I am motivate by"?

No, the correct phrasing is "I am "motivated by"". "Motivated" is the past participle form of the verb and is used as an adjective in this context.

What's the difference between "motivated by" and "influenced by"?

"Motivated by" implies a direct cause for action, while "influenced by" suggests a more indirect effect. You're "motivated by" something when it's the main reason you do something. You're influenced by something when it has an effect on your actions or opinions.