motive of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "motive of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the reason or purpose behind someone's actions or behavior. Example: The detective was determined to uncover the true motive of the suspect's seemingly random crime spree.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Levine said robbery was the motive of the slaying.

The New York Times

What was the motive of the finger-pointer?

The New York Times

But the motive of news sites is not completely altruistic.

The New York Times

Others say the underlying motive of the prosecution is personal.

The New York Times

Of course, that's not the motive of the union-busters.

The New Yorker

"It's the whole motive of the house," Jeanette Tarallo said.

The New York Times

It's negative when exposed as the motive of Israel's critics.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The motive of conspiracy was to set the train on fire," he said.

Independent

Mr Rooker said the authorities "have not yet confirmed or denied the motive of the crime".

Independent

The boycott movement springs from a noble motive of advocating for a long-suffering underdog.

The Economist

Did the switch to unleaded gas hide an ulterior motive of removing vehicles from our roads?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "motive of" with strong verbs to create impactful statements. For example, instead of "The motive of the policy was improvement", try "The motive driving the policy was improvement."

Common error

Avoid using "motive of" interchangeably with terms like "reason for" in all contexts. While similar, "motive" often implies a deeper, underlying psychological or intentional factor, particularly in legal or investigative contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "motive of" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies the underlying reason or cause behind an action, event, or decision. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "motive of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate the reason or cause behind an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While alternatives like "reason for" or "purpose behind" exist, "motive of" often implies a deeper underlying cause. Its frequency and acceptance across authoritative sources make it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication. Therefore, use "motive of" to accurately convey the drivers and intentions behind occurrences or behaviours.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for

This alternative focuses on the direct cause or explanation for something.

purpose behind

This highlights the intended goal or aim that drives an action.

driving force behind

This emphasizes the influential factor that propels an action or decision.

inspiration for

This suggests the creative or emotional stimulus behind an action.

impetus for

This denotes the initial force or stimulus that triggers an action.

rationale for

This focuses on the logical or justifiable basis for an action.

underlying cause of

This emphasizes the fundamental reason that may not be immediately apparent.

basis for

This denotes the foundation or justification for an action or belief.

genesis of

This alternative focuses on the origin or beginning of something.

intent behind

This emphasizes the planned or desired outcome of an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "motive of" to explain the reason behind an action or decision. For example, "The police are investigating the "motive of" the crime" or "The primary "motive of" the project is to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "motive of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reason for", "purpose behind", or "driving force behind" as alternatives to "motive of".

Is it correct to say "the motive for" instead of "the motive of"?

While "motive of" is grammatically correct, "motive for" is also commonly used and often preferred. Both phrases serve to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action, but "motive for" might sound more natural in some contexts.

What is the difference between "motive of" and "intention of"?

"Motive of" generally refers to the underlying reason or cause behind an action, often related to a specific goal or outcome. "Intention of", on the other hand, specifically refers to the planned or desired outcome, highlighting the actor's conscious aim or purpose.