motto

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'motto' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a brief statement expressing a principle, aim, or ideal which guides an individual, group, or organisation. Examples of sentences with 'motto' include: "Our company's motto is 'Committed to Excellence' - we strive to deliver the best possible service to our customers." "The school's motto is 'Education for Creativity' - its mission is to foster creative thinking amongst its students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then, the indignities have stacked up at such a rate it feels like a tragicomedy that Blackpool's motto on their club crest is "Progress".

The Guardian - Sport

"Vorsprung durch Technik" became a motto for a nation that was putting the past behind it and restyling itself as a byword for quality, efficiency, progress and technology.

The Guardian

"The more the better has always been my motto," said Taylor in one.

The Guardian - Film

Carlisle – motto: "Be just and fear not" – was then a small border city with big ambitions.

The Guardian

Westwood's stores in Paris display the motto: Buy less, choose well and make it last – but she has not yet brought the slogan to her UK outlets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a solid summer motto right there.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I like the founding Battersea Labour party motto: "Not for me, not for you, but for us".

The Guardian - Opinion

And the architect of the plot, the second lieutenant, was a boy scout, to whom the association's motto "Be prepared" had become a lifeline.

The Guardian

And, to appeal to his largely female customer base, he added a little love motto written on a piece of paper inside each wrapper.

The Guardian

We live by Voltaire's motto: 'Perfect is the enemy of the good.'" And what of Harvey herself?

The Guardian

Covering everything from how to deal with wayward brothers to establishing a rota in the kitchen, its defining characteristics are the motto pax ("peace") and the ethos of ora et labora ("pray and work").

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When choosing a "motto", ensure it resonates with the core values and objectives of the entity it represents. A well-crafted "motto" can inspire and guide actions.

Common error

Avoid creating a "motto" that is too lengthy or difficult to understand. A clear and concise "motto" is more memorable and effective.

Linguistic Context

The word "motto" functions as a noun, typically referring to a short expression of a guiding principle. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the core beliefs of organizations, individuals, and even cities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "motto" is a noun used to describe a short expression of a guiding principle, serving as a reminder of core values. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile across diverse contexts. Common in news, business, and general discourse, a good "motto" should be concise and reflective of core values. While synonyms like "slogan" and "tagline" exist, "motto" often implies a more profound guiding philosophy. Avoid overly complex or ambiguous phrasing to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding principle

Focuses on the foundational belief that steers actions, rather than a specific phrase.

catchphrase

Similar to a "motto" but typically used in marketing or advertising.

slogan

Often used for promotional or political campaigns, emphasizing a memorable phrase.

tagline

Usually associated with branding and advertising, conveying a company's essence.

creed

Implies a more formal and deeply held system of beliefs.

ethos

Refers to the characteristic spirit or culture of a community or era.

maxim

A concise expression of a fundamental moral rule or principle.

tenet

A principle or belief held as true, often within a religion or philosophy.

watchword

A word or phrase that encapsulates the aims or beliefs of a group.

byword

A word or phrase associated with a particular quality or thing.

FAQs

How can I use "motto" in a sentence?

You can use "motto" to refer to a short expression of a guiding principle. For example, "The company's "motto" reflects its commitment to innovation."

What are some synonyms for "motto"?

Synonyms for "motto" include "slogan", "catchphrase", and "tagline". The best choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between a "motto" and a slogan?

A "motto" is a guiding principle, while a "slogan" is primarily used for marketing or advertising.

What makes a good "motto"?

A good "motto" is memorable, concise, and reflects the core values or goals of the individual or organization it represents.