practical motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practical motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a reason or incentive that is based on practical considerations or real-world benefits. Example: "Her decision to move to a new city was driven by a practical motive, as she sought better job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Awakening members have a strong practical motive for seeking government positions.

The New York Times

However, he passes over a very practical motive: he wanted to be a writer and, like many another of like ambition, needed privacy, quiet, and a "broad margin" where his mind could roam.

The Guardian - Books

But there was also a practical motive for the euros-for-goals deal: Toni was assessing Rafael's reactions, testing to see how instinctively and with what kind of power the boy used one side versus the other.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But there were practical motives too.

The Guardian

Bruno had enjoyed Harris's tales of Br'er Rabbit as a child, she said.But she had more practical motives as well.Ms.Ms

The New York Times

Back in the fall of 2007, with only the most practical motives in mind, George Kalman took his pen to the standard form for creating a limited liability company in Pennsylvania.

The New York Times

Unlike most of us, they have practical motives for wondering how best to make imaginary things seem convincing, a problem that must be solved as much for "Vanity Fair" as for "A Wrinkle in Time".

The New Yorker

She told me about her reasons for being here; she recited various practical motives and then her face changed and she said, "And of course, there is now also something you could call the London dream".

The Guardian - Books

To come to grips with the true risks of connected vehicle security, we have to separate the fear-driven hype from the practical motives of the threat actors.

TechCrunch

People with no or little chemical expertise chose the first four answers four times more often than the last four more practical motives, whereas people with knowledge of chemistry chose them 2.8 times more often than the last four (χ 2 = 24.9, p < 0.0000).

Environmental Sciences Europe

Didion emphasises the practical, moneymaking motive behind her early essays: "When I started writing pieces, it took me a year or two to understand what you could do with them, that it was as demanding in a way [as fiction]." As she perceived the possibilities, she worked on her prose and tone.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing decisions or actions, use "practical motive" to highlight that the underlying reason is based on tangible benefits or real-world advantages, rather than emotional or abstract considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "practical motive" when the driving force includes emotional or ethical considerations as well. Instead, use a broader term like "reason" or "motivation" to encompass all contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practical motive" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a complement to a verb. It describes a reason for action based on tangible, real-world benefits. This is supported by the examples provided in Ludwig, where it explains the reasons behind decisions and actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practical motive" is a noun phrase used to describe a reason or incentive driven by tangible benefits and real-world considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although relatively rare, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mostly in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it suggests a focus on logic and tangible advantages, so it's best suited for situations where these elements are central to the decision or action being explained. Consider alternatives such as "pragmatic reason" or "realistic incentive" for subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pragmatic reason

Emphasizes the practicality and efficiency of the reason.

realistic incentive

Highlights the feasibility and achievability of the incentive.

tangible motivation

Focuses on the concrete and perceptible nature of the motivation.

sensible impetus

Implies a rational and well-considered driving force.

down-to-earth rationale

Underscores the practical and unpretentious nature of the rationale.

functional purpose

Highlights the utility and intended function as the driving reason.

expedient cause

Focuses on the advantageous or opportune nature of the cause.

workable rationale

Emphasizes the effectiveness and operability of the explanation.

grounded consideration

Highlights the realistic basis and lack of fanciful elements.

utilitarian objective

Emphasizes the usefulness and benefit as the primary aim.

FAQs

What does "practical motive" mean?

A "practical motive" refers to a reason or incentive based on real-world benefits, tangible advantages, and logical considerations rather than abstract ideals or emotional impulses.

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

You can use "practical motive" to explain the reason behind an action, such as: "Her decision to accept the job offer was driven by a "practical motive": the higher salary and better benefits package."

What are some alternatives to "practical motive"?

Alternatives to "practical motive" include "pragmatic reason", "realistic incentive", and "tangible motivation". These phrases emphasize different aspects of a reason rooted in reality and tangible benefits.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "practical motive"?

The phrase "practical motive" is suitable in contexts where the driving force behind an action or decision is based on logical considerations, such as financial gain, efficiency, or improved living conditions. It's often used in business, personal finance, and everyday decision-making.