motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a reason or purpose behind an action, and is most commonly used in the phrase "motive for". For example: "The police are still searching for the suspect's motive for the shooting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was motivated by his fear of being out," Caster said of White's motive for the killing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's still nothing to identify a specific motive as to why Mr Lee took these actions," Duke said.

The Guardian

"I can't tell you what the motive was, to me it looks like they were looking at the bottom line, looking at the expenditure... rather than looking closer to home and going to their department heads," Sudmalis said.

The Guardian

Tony McNulty, a Home Office minister, dismissed Davis's campaign as a "complete circus, tinged with vanity with a bit of self-delusion" and hinted that the true motive lay in shadow cabinet divisions which had yet to be unearthed.

The Guardian

You brought his life to an end without any motive in circumstances which you know amounted to murder…" Since his mother died, Ben Gunn had been forever escaping the rules and authority that had closed in on him, climbing out of windows, scarpering down driveways.

The Guardian

Who now believes that "light regulation" will encourage banks to contribute to the general good, or that the profit motive – as illustrated by the collapse of Southern Cross – is the best stimulus to high-quality domiciliary care?

The Guardian - Opinion

The motive behind these unauthorised searches has not been disclosed but it's not suggested that the individual was selling secrets or that the security breach was of the highest level.

The Guardian

The psycho bitch is just crazy – she has no motive, and so she's a dismissible person because of her psycho-bitchiness".

The Guardian - Film

"And this brings me back to a motive for the letter," he wrote.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What began as a group of people rightfully seeking an explanation from the police about the death of a community member has evolved into a group of people being malignant without motive, actively destroying the communities to which they belong.

The Guardian - Opinion

What I object to is bringing forward pictures and videos of my adopted daughters, suggesting that there is some sinister motive there.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or criminal contexts, use "motive" to refer to the reason someone might have committed a crime. For example, "The prosecution aimed to establish the suspect's motive for the robbery."

Common error

Avoid using "motivation" when you specifically need to refer to a reason for a crime or a hidden agenda. While "motivation" broadly means what drives someone, "motive" is more pointedly about underlying reasons, especially in negative contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "motive" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the reason or purpose behind an action. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the underlying cause that prompts someone to behave in a certain way, often in legal or investigative contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this function clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "motive" is a frequently used noun, primarily referring to the reason or purpose behind an action, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is commonly used in news, formal, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that "motive" is grammatically correct. To ensure clarity, remember to differentiate "motive" from similar words like "motivation". This guide provides a detailed understanding of how to use "motive" effectively and avoid common errors. For example, while both "motive" and "reason behind" convey the idea of cause, motive is associated to hidden agendas, crimes and underlying reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivation

Focuses on the internal or external factors that inspire action.

reason behind

Focuses on the underlying justification or explanation for something.

driving force

Highlights the energy or impetus behind an action or decision.

underlying cause

Emphasizes the fundamental reason or origin of a situation.

intention

Refers to the planned or desired outcome of an action.

purpose

Highlights the goal or aim that guides an action.

inspiration

Highlights the creative or emotional impulse behind something.

rationale

Emphasizes the logical or reasoned basis for a decision.

incentive

Refers to something that encourages or prompts a particular behavior.

aim

Stresses the specific objective or target of an action.

FAQs

How is "motive" used in criminal investigations?

In criminal investigations, "motive" refers to the reason why a suspect might have committed a crime. It's a crucial element in establishing guilt, as it provides a narrative explaining the defendant's actions. Establishing "reason behind" the crime can significantly strengthen the case.

What's the difference between "motive" and "intention"?

"Motive" is the underlying reason for doing something, especially something bad or illegal, whereas "intention" is a plan or aim. You might have the "purpose" of helping someone (intention), but your motive could be to gain their favor.

What are some synonyms for "motive"?

Alternatives to "motive" include "reason behind", "driving force", "underlying cause", and "motivation". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How does the word "motive" affect the tone of a sentence?

Using "motive" often implies a degree of suspicion or inquiry, especially in contexts involving investigation or analysis of someone's actions. It can introduce a sense of intrigue or skepticism, prompting a deeper examination of the "intention" behind the behavior.