motive why

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'motive why' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to indicate the underlying cause for a particular event or decision. For example, "The motive why John decided to retire was his desire to spend more time with his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As to motive, why lick the pasta bowl clean?

The New York Times - Food

Is that why we harp on motive, why we think of earth as some god's handiwork?

The New Yorker

If that were the real motive, why were the United Nations weapons inspectors ordered out just before the invasion but just after they had reported that they found no such weapons?Louis B. Fleming Pasadena, California.

The Economist

"We are also going to investigate to find the motive, why it happened and, in the event that the taking of their lives is confirmed, what was behind this and of course capturing those that did it".

The New York Times

One of the abiding fascinations in studying the world of traitors and double agents is to try to arrive at a sense of motive – why would you want to betray your own country in the first place?

The Guardian - Books

The incessant eventfulness of their narratives; the arbitrariness of magic; the sketchiness of motive (why do wealthy widowers always insist on remarrying obviously dodgy women?) – these conventions can be tiresome to the older reader.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Motives Why kill?

The New York Times

Some of them are solid enough that we can speculate about their motives: why does Hurstwood steal the money in Dreiser's Sister Carrie?

The Guardian - Books

People question their motives: why would you join if you aren't seeking power, and for what reason other than to get money for yourself?" Despite the recent spread of elections for village administrators, real power nearly always remains with the appointed party secretaries.

The New York Times

Given all the doubts surrounding Iranian long-term strategy and motives, why should we even consider an opening?

Huffington Post

It is important to identify and recognise the motives why physicians actually apply for medical school and what are the consequences of the different motives, since this would reveal whether the selection criteria are choosing the best applicants.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "motive why", ensure that the context clearly establishes an action or decision for which the motive is being sought. For instance, "The main question is the "motive why" he acted so suspiciously."

Common error

Avoid using "motive why" in contexts where the "why" is already implied. For example, instead of "the motive why he did it", consider simplifying to "his motive for doing it" or "the reason he did it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "motive why" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a clause of explanation, specifically inquiring about or clarifying the reason behind an action. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a valid phrase, though not as common as related alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Books

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "motive why" is a grammatically correct phrase used to inquire about the reasons or causes behind an action or decision. While confirmed as valid by Ludwig AI, it's less common than alternatives like "reasons why" or "reason why". Predominantly used in News & Media, Science, and Books, the phrase serves to elicit or provide explanations. When writing, it's crucial to ensure clarity and avoid redundancy by not using "motive why" when "why" is already implied. Overall, while acceptable, writers should consider more concise alternatives for optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons why

Direct synonym; replaces "motive" with the more common "reasons".

reason why

Similar to "reasons why", but in singular form.

purpose for which

Replaces "motive" with "purpose" and rephrases the question.

intention behind

Focuses on the intent or aim leading to an action.

explanation for

Seeks a justification or rationale.

cause of

Explores the direct cause that produced the observed effect.

driving force behind

Emphasizes the compelling factor.

underlying cause of

Focuses on the fundamental reason.

rationale for

Explores the logical basis.

the why behind

Simplifies the structure for clarity

FAQs

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

You can use "motive why" to inquire about or explain the reason behind an action or decision. For instance, "The police are still investigating the "motive why" the crime was committed."

What's a good alternative to "motive why"?

Alternatives to "motive why" include "reasons why", "reason why", or "purpose for which", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "motive for" or "motive why"?

"Motive for" is generally more concise and common. "Motive why" is also correct but can sometimes sound slightly redundant. The choice depends on context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "motive why" and "intention behind"?

"Motive why" focuses on the reason for an action, while "intention behind" highlights the underlying aim or goal that drives the action. The terms are closely related but emphasize different aspects.