motivator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "motivator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something or someone that provides motivation or encouragement to act or achieve a goal. Example: "The coach served as a great motivator for the team, inspiring them to give their best during the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More recent research on workers at a Chinese electronics factory also confirms that performance-related pay (especially the threat of losing income) is an excellent motivator (see article).Linking pay to performance does not just increase motivation.

The Economist

In this age of belt-tightening, lightening the load of weekly spending could be a motivator that makes the difference.

The Guardian

In fact, analysis also tends to show that a higher salary is barely a motivator at all for many staff, and more money can even work to diminish employee engagement.

The Guardian

A polished final product is a massive motivator.

The Guardian

Also, anger can be a great motivator.

The Guardian

As Ed Cummins of Westinghouse insists, "The biggest motivator for nuclear today is $6 [the price per MBtu] natural gas.

The Economist

Perhaps some kind of social currency could be used as a motivator.

The Economist

But the real motivator will be the pocketbook, according to Volkswagen's Mr Neusser.

The Economist

Perhaps self-interest may prove a more powerful motivator.

The Economist

Pull the other one White v right The motivator Softly softly, charming Huckabee Reprints Related items Republican governors: A gang of redsNov 26th 2009 The Texas governor's race: A showdown with tumbleweedsAug 27th 2009Mrs Hutchison, meanwhile, is on the back foot.

The Economist

Embarrassing Argentina may be the bigger motivator," says Mark Weidemaier, a law professor at the University of North Carolina.Mr Báez, who has not been charged with a crime and denies any wrongdoing, insists he has no business outside of Patagonia, let alone Argentina.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "motivator" when you want to emphasize the agent or factor that causes someone to act or feel a certain way. For example, "Fear can be a powerful motivator."

Common error

Avoid using "motivator" when you actually mean "motivation". "Motivation" is the general desire or willingness to do something, whereas a "motivator" is the specific thing or person that causes that desire.

Linguistic Context

The word "motivator" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies the agent or stimulus that prompts someone to act. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Independent

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "motivator" functions as a noun that identifies the agent or stimulus behind an action. As Ludwig AI validates, its use is grammatically correct and widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "driving force" or "incentive" may sometimes be suitable, it's important to distinguish "motivator" from "motivation" to avoid confusion. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use the word "motivator" to convey the influences behind behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving force

Focuses on the impetus behind an action, suggesting a strong and consistent influence.

incentive

Highlights the reward or advantage that encourages someone to do something.

catalyst

Emphasizes the role of something that triggers or accelerates a process or action.

stimulus

Suggests something that provokes activity or energy.

impetus

Indicates the initial force or impulse that starts something moving or happening.

inspiration

Implies a source of creative or intellectual stimulation.

encouragement

Focuses on providing support and confidence to someone.

reason

Highlights the logical or justifiable explanation for an action.

inducement

Suggests persuasion or enticement to do something.

spur

Implies a sudden burst of motivation or encouragement.

FAQs

How can I use "motivator" in a sentence?

You can use "motivator" to refer to something or someone that drives or inspires action. For instance, "The desire for recognition can be a powerful motivator".

What are some synonyms for "motivator"?

Alternatives to "motivator" include "driving force", "incentive", or "catalyst", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the biggest motivation" or "the biggest motivator"?

Both can be correct, but they have different meanings. "The biggest motivation" refers to the strongest reason or desire, while "the biggest motivator" refers to the most influential factor that causes someone to act.

What's the difference between "motivator" and "stimulus"?

"Motivator" implies an internal or external influence that inspires action, whereas "stimulus" suggests something that provokes a reaction or activity. A stimulus might not always be a motivator.