Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
motivation of doing something
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "motivation of doing something" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate expression would be "motivation for doing something." Example: "Her motivation for doing something meaningful in her career drives her to work hard every day."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Wiki
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Often the motivation of doing something fun or rewarding will boost your energy and enthusiasm, and thereby your focus.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
This cooperation divergence may be explained by a behavioral asymmetry between the warm-glow of doing something good and the cold-prickle of doing something bad (Andreoni, 1995).
Not only will you avoid unnecessary consuming, but it's extra motivation to do something out of the ordinary.
News & Media
"You have the sense of characters who have a strong motivation to do something absurd and unproductive".
News & Media
The best I can say is that, because of its sheer bottomless vacuity, the year gave me the motivation to do something with my future.
News & Media
In studies of other phenomena, this pattern of results is taken to mean that children have an intrinsic motivation to do something which the external rewards undermine (overjustification effect).
The Walshes have used their experience as a motivation to do something remarkable.
News & Media
It's the great irony of health and fitness; none of us like being lardy and lethargic, but for some reason we require additional motivation to do something about it.
News & Media
When our motivation to do something isn't high enough, we are not willing to expend a lot of energy in order to achieve that goal.
News & Media
Doing something you like will increase your motivation to do something besides worry and concentrating on your anxieties.
News & Media
Instead it requires imagination, connection to resources and motivation to do something about it.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing the reasons behind an action, use the grammatically correct phrase "motivation for doing something" instead of "motivation of doing something".
Common error
Avoid using "of" to connect motivation with an action. The correct preposition is "for". Using "of" can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences and unclear communication. Always double-check your preposition usage when discussing motivation.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "motivation of doing something" functions as a noun phrase intended to describe the cause or reason behind an action. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect. The correct form uses the preposition "for."
Frequent in
News & Media
25%
Science
25%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Wiki
25%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "motivation of doing something" might seem intuitive, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms that the proper phrasing is "motivation for doing something". This correction is essential for clear and effective communication, especially in formal and professional settings. It's also important to consider related phrases like "reason for doing something" or "purpose in doing something" to add nuance to your writing. Remembering this distinction will enhance the quality and credibility of your written and spoken communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
motivation for doing something
Replaces "of" with "for", correcting the grammatical structure to align with standard English usage.
reason for doing something
Substitutes "motivation" with "reason", focusing on the justification behind an action.
purpose in doing something
Replaces "motivation" with "purpose", emphasizing the intended outcome or aim of the action.
drive to do something
Uses "drive" instead of "motivation", highlighting the internal force that compels action.
incentive to do something
Replaces "motivation" with "incentive", focusing on external factors that encourage action.
impetus for doing something
Substitutes "motivation" with "impetus", emphasizing the initial force or stimulus that starts an action.
inspiration to do something
Replaces "motivation" with "inspiration", highlighting the creative or emotional source of action.
stimulus for action
Uses a more formal tone, replacing "motivation of doing something" with a noun phrase indicating what provokes action.
the why behind doing something
Simplifies the expression to focus on the fundamental question of reason or cause.
source of motivation for action
Rephrases to highlight the origin or cause that drives someone to act.
FAQs
Is it correct to say "motivation of doing something"?
No, the correct phrasing is "motivation for doing something". The preposition "for" is required to properly connect the noun "motivation" to the action.
What are some alternatives to "motivation of doing something"?
Since "motivation of doing something" is grammatically incorrect, use "motivation for doing something" or consider alternatives like "reason for doing something" or "purpose in doing something".
How do I use "motivation for doing something" in a sentence?
You can use it like this: "Her motivation for doing something was to help others".
What's the difference between "motivation of doing something" and "motivation for doing something"?
"Motivation of doing something" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "motivation for doing something", which means the reason or incentive behind performing a specific action.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested