plain motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a straightforward or obvious reason behind someone's actions or decisions. Example: "His plain motive for helping her was simply to gain her trust for future business dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I became involved with my first Engelbert fan club, my motive plain and simple was to help support his career and his favorite charities, and spend time with other people who wanted to do the same thing.

The New York Times

Yet the last of these, "The Tempest," is one of Shakespeare's masterpieces: the strained contrivances and righted wrongs of the previous romances — "Plot has always been the curse of serious drama," George Bernard Shaw said, discussing "Cymbeline" — fall simply into place, with the contriver in plain view, his motives and magical means established at the start.

The New Yorker

My conduct may seem eccentric in the eyes of some – but my motive is plain and simple.

Independent

Their motive seems plain: they were running a successful, high profile, anti-cuts campaign and the account that he provided to them did not fit with their agenda.

Independent

It's 'now I know where the bathroom is, now I know the attendance policy, now let me focus on what makes good teaching.' " The motive is plain.

The New York Times

In the report Deborah Glass, deputy chair of the IPCC, said of the officers at the Sutton Coldfield meeting: "Their motive seems plain: as the West Mercia investigating officer noted, 'they were running a successful, high-profile, anti-cuts media campaign and the account that he provided to them did not fit with their agenda'".

The Guardian

Diaghilev's motives were plain.

The Guardian

Those who have accused the RSPCA of having political motives are plain wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

For months, the companies and their supporters had been accusing each other of bad behavior, warped motives, and plain dimwittedness.

The New Yorker

Though his anti-imperial bias in attributing motives is plain, his facts can rarely be impugned; and his evocation of the terrors of tyranny is unforgettable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But perhaps her motive, hidden in plain sight, is prodigiously ordinary: to hold the interest of a man.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain motive" when you want to emphasize that the reason behind an action is very clear and easy to understand. It adds a layer of directness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "plain motive" when the situation is complex or nuanced. This phrase implies simplicity, so if the true reason is multi-layered, a more descriptive term would be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain motive" functions as a noun phrase, where "plain" modifies "motive". It's used to describe a reason or intention that is easily understood or obvious.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plain motive" is used to indicate a clear and easily understood reason for an action. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, although examples of its use are limited, suggesting it may not be a very common phrase. Alternative expressions, such as "obvious reason" or "clear intention", can be used to convey similar meanings. When writing, use "plain motive" to highlight simplicity, but avoid it if the real reasons are intricate. The phrase can be used in various contexts without being overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious reason

Focuses on the clarity and ease of understanding the reason.

clear intention

Emphasizes the unambiguous nature of the purpose.

evident purpose

Highlights that the goal is easily seen or understood.

unmistakable aim

Stresses that the objective cannot be misunderstood.

straightforward motivation

Indicates a simple and uncomplicated reason behind the action.

apparent cause

Highlights the easily perceived reason for an action or event.

easily understood motivation

Focuses on the simplicity of grasping the underlying reason.

readily apparent intention

Emphasizes the quick and easy understanding of the goal.

unhidden reason

Indicates that the purpose is not concealed or secret.

uncomplicated cause

Stresses the simple and direct nature of the reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain motive" to describe a reason that is obvious and easy to understand. For example, "His "obvious reason" for helping was to gain favor".

What's a similar expression to "plain motive"?

Alternatives to "plain motive" include "clear intention", "evident purpose", or "unmistakable aim".

When is it best to use the phrase "plain motive"?

Use "plain motive" when the reason behind an action or decision is straightforward and easily understood. It's suitable when you want to highlight the simplicity of the motivation.

Is "plain motive" formal or informal?

"Plain motive" can be used in both formal and informal contexts as long as the intent is to convey a reason that's easily grasped. Its suitability largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone.