primary motivation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary motivation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the main reason or driving force behind a particular action or decision. Example: "Her primary motivation for pursuing a career in medicine was to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The primary motivation for intrapreneurs is influence with freedom.

Harvard Business Review

His primary motivation for the wage increase, however, was economic.

The New York Times

But Mr. Gerber said he believed the primary motivation for recruiting overseas students was not financial.

The New York Times

But that is not the primary motivation for year-round, three-hour rehearsals.

The New York Times

The primary motivation for settling disputes in early, private auctions is money.

The New Yorker

He believes the quest for fermented beverages was mankind's primary motivation for domesticating grain-bearing plants.

University of Pennsylvania

I don't think it's controversial to suggest that our own convenience has not been the primary motivation for this change.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, organisers said that a concern for animals was still the primary motivation for people becoming vegan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Our primary motivation for the deal was to acquire a world trademark," he said in an interview.

The New York Times

Nonetheless government can hardly complain if disabled people see this as the primary motivation for the legislation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the primary motivation for his hatred of Brooklyn is a feeling of having to make do with less.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "primary motivation for", ensure it's followed by a clear and specific explanation of what that motivation is. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "primary motivation for" if other significant factors contribute equally. Use qualifiers like "a significant motivation" or "one of the main motivations" to reflect a more nuanced reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary motivation for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the main reason or impetus behind an action, decision, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and grammatically correct. The examples showcase it connecting a subject with its core purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary motivation for" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the main driver behind an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While it is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, its use should be precise, avoiding overstatements when multiple motivations exist. Remember to support the claim with evidence and consider alternatives like "chief reason for" or "main driver behind" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief reason for

Replaces "motivation" with "reason", focusing on the explanation behind an action.

main driver behind

Emphasizes the propelling force or cause that initiates or sustains something.

principal cause of

Highlights the element that directly leads to a specific outcome or situation.

leading incentive for

Focuses on what encourages or prompts a specific behavior or choice.

key impetus for

Indicates the initial force or stimulus that prompts an action or development.

central rationale for

Highlights the logical explanation or justification for a particular decision or course of action.

core purpose of

Focuses on the fundamental objective or aim that guides an activity or existence.

major consideration in

Highlights a significant factor taken into account when making a decision.

prime mover of

Suggests something or someone who initiates or exerts a strong influence.

underlying motivation of

Highlights deeper, often less obvious, reasons behind an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "primary motivation for" in a sentence?

Use "primary motivation for" to highlight the main reason behind an action. For example, "The "primary motivation for" the policy change was to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "primary motivation for"?

You can use alternatives like "chief reason for", "main driver behind", or "principal cause of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the primary motivations for"?

Yes, "the primary motivations for" is grammatically correct if you are referring to multiple key reasons or incentives.

What is the difference between "primary motivation" and "secondary motivation"?

"Primary motivation" refers to the main reason or driving force, while "secondary motivation" refers to additional, less important reasons that still contribute to a decision or action.