motive behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"motive behind" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the reason or purpose behind someone's actions or behavior. Example: The police are still investigating the motive behind the murder.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The motive behind the shooting is unclear.

The New York Times

Another motive behind the destruction is publicity.

The Guardian

The other motive behind opening Mona?

The Guardian - Arts

Many Indians did see a political motive behind the arrest.

The Economist

There's a sincere motive behind all this naming.

The New York Times - Arts

The motive behind the killing was not clear.

The New York Times

Is a policy less important than the motive behind it?

The New York Times

Yet fear is the motive behind most self-inflicted harm.

The Guardian - Books

We're confident there's a sincere motive behind it".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The motive behind the killings was not immediately clear.

The Guardian

Saville-Smith denies any financial motive behind his purchase.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "motive behind" to explore not just the immediate cause, but also the deeper reasons driving an action.

Common error

Avoid simply stating the trigger event; instead, use "motive behind" to delve into the underlying intentions, desires, or pressures that led to the action. For example, don't just say 'The fight started because of an argument', but explore 'the motive behind the argument' such as longstanding resentment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "motive behind" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, such as 'reason', 'action', or 'decision'. It introduces the underlying purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct phrase commonly used to explore the reasons driving particular actions or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "motive behind" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase to investigate the underlying reasons for actions or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. When writing, remember that "motive behind" digs deeper into the reasons, intentions, or desires driving an action, rather than just the immediate cause. Alternative expressions include "reason for", "rationale for", and "driving force", each offering slightly different nuances. By using "motive behind" effectively, you can add depth and clarity to your explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for

More direct and concise, focusing on the explicit cause.

underlying cause

Draws attention to a less obvious or fundamental reason.

rationale for

Suggests a reasoned or logical basis.

driving force

Emphasizes the energy or impetus behind something.

the intention of

Concentrates on the intended plan or goal.

purpose of

Highlights the intended goal or aim.

impetus for

Highlights what prompted the action or decision.

inspiration for

Focuses on the creative or emotional source.

genesis of

Indicates the origin or beginning of something.

the why behind

A more informal way of asking for the reason.

FAQs

How can I use "motive behind" in a sentence?

The phrase "motive behind" is used to inquire about or explain the reasons or intentions behind a particular action or decision. For instance, "The police are investigating the "motive behind" the crime."

What's a more formal alternative to "motive behind"?

In formal contexts, you could use "rationale for" or "underlying cause" as alternatives to "motive behind". For example, instead of "What was the "motive behind" the decision?", you could ask, "What was the rationale for the decision?"

Is there a difference between "reason behind" and "motive behind"?

While "reason behind" and "motive behind" are similar, "motive" often implies a more specific intention or goal, whereas "reason" can be a broader explanation. A "motive" suggests a conscious purpose, while a "reason" might simply be a cause or explanation.

What can I say instead of "the motive behind is unclear"?

If the "motive behind" something is unknown, you can say "the reasons are uncertain", "the intentions are obscure", or "the cause is undetermined". Each of these options expresses a lack of clear understanding regarding the motivation.