possible motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential reasons or motivations behind someone's actions or behavior. Example: "The detective is investigating the suspect's background to uncover any possible motive for the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No possible motive was provided.

The Washington Post

The complaint suggests one possible motive.

The New York Times

Moffatt would not discuss a possible motive.

The Guardian

They would not discuss a possible motive.

The New York Times

There is one more possible motive.

The Washington Post

Police have not divulged a possible motive.

The Washington Post

The police have not disclosed a possible motive.

The New York Times

Officials declined to comment on any possible motive.

The New York Times

Guede's possible motive for lying seems astonishingly clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What possible motive would I have to sit on this?

The New Yorker

They provided no details as to a possible motive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or investigative contexts, using "possible motive" can be more neutral than terms that suggest certainty or accusation. For example, say: "Investigators are exploring a "possible motive" in the case" rather than "the reason for the crime".

Common error

Avoid presenting a "possible motive" as a confirmed fact. Always use language that reflects uncertainty or ongoing investigation, such as 'a "possible motive" being explored by detectives' instead of assuming a motive is definitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible motive" functions as a noun phrase where "possible" modifies the noun "motive". It identifies a potential, but not confirmed, reason for an action or event. Ludwig AI indicates that is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible motive" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a potential reason for an action, especially when the actual reason is uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. Primarily found in news and media, the phrase functions neutrally, suggesting speculation rather than confirmation. Alternative phrases include "potential reason", "plausible explanation", and "conceivable cause". When using this phrase, it's important to avoid overstating the possibility as a confirmed fact and to maintain a neutral tone, particularly in sensitive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential reason

Focuses on the reasoning behind an action rather than the motivational aspect.

plausible explanation

Highlights the believability of the reason.

conceivable cause

Emphasizes the possibility of a cause existing.

suspected motivation

Implies there's a level of doubt or investigation involved.

underlying reason

Suggests a more fundamental or hidden cause.

theoretical basis

Presents the motive as an assumption.

alleged incentive

Frames the motivation as something claimed but not proven.

presumed justification

Assumes a reason exists, which may or may not be the case.

apparent incentive

Indicates the incentive is easily visible or understood.

assumed motivation

Points out that the speaker is making a supposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "possible motive" to describe a potential reason behind someone's actions. For example, "The police are investigating a "possible motive" for the crime."

What's a synonym for "possible motive"?

Synonyms for "possible motive" include "potential reason", "plausible explanation", or "conceivable cause" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a motive is possible"?

While grammatically correct, "a motive is possible" isn't as commonly used as "possible motive". The phrase "possible motive" directly suggests a potential reason being considered.

What is the difference between "possible motive" and "probable motive"?

"Possible motive" indicates a potential reason that is being considered, while "probable motive" suggests a reason that is likely or has a higher chance of being true based on available evidence.