rational motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rational motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a logical or reasonable reason behind a person's actions or decisions. Example: "His decision to invest in the company was based on a rational motive, as he believed it would yield significant returns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He may have a rational motive.

The New Yorker

"There was no apparent rational motive to the best of our knowledge".

The New York Times

But a rational motive comes from the high volume of passenger traffic at Japanese metropolitan stations.

The New York Times

Friendly relations between the state and Guzmán would have a rational motive.

The Guardian

Mr. Perry stopped and stared at his shoes, unable to conjure a rational motive.

The New York Times

That's a perfectly rational motive for a market to have, but it's not necessarily an appropriate position for a regulator".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But often, strong — and somewhat rational — motives are at work.

The New York Times - Tech

During early rehearsals she vainly tried to find rational motives for her ruthlessness.

The New York Times - Arts

Many of these threats arise from "rational" motives, such as protesting the policies of the government or changing its political course.

The New Yorker

It remains limited by a highly constraining view of the worker as an individual of purely rational motives and by an inability to grasp the significance of collective norms and behaviour in labour matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the one hand, Reid says that rational motives function as "advice" or "exhortation" which do not push but pull us to action.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rational motive", ensure that the reason you are describing is based on logic and reason, not solely on emotion or personal bias.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any justification is a "rational motive". A "rational motive" requires a logical basis, not just any explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rational motive" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a reason or incentive for action that is based on logic and reason, rather than emotion or impulse, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rational motive" is a noun phrase used to describe a reason for action based on logic and reason, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent across authoritative sources. When employing this phrase, ensure the described reason is rooted in logic rather than purely emotional or biased considerations. Common alternatives include "logical reason" and "reasonable cause".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical reason

Focuses on the logical aspect of the motive, emphasizing the clarity and coherence of the reasoning.

reasonable cause

Highlights the justification behind the action, suggesting that it is fair and appropriate given the circumstances.

valid justification

Emphasizes the legitimacy and soundness of the reason provided for an action or decision.

sound basis

Indicates that the motive is built on a solid and reliable foundation of facts and logic.

cogent explanation

Stresses the clarity and persuasiveness of the motive, making it easy to understand and accept.

intelligible rationale

Highlights the comprehensibility of the motive, ensuring that it is easy to grasp and make sense of.

defensible grounds

Suggests that the motive can be supported and justified against criticism or opposition.

reasoned argument

Emphasizes the structured and logical presentation of the motive, highlighting the thought process behind it.

justifiable incentive

Focuses on the motivating factor behind an action, suggesting that it is fair and reasonable.

sensible motivation

Highlights the practicality and good judgment behind the motive, suggesting that it is a wise and considered choice.

FAQs

What does "rational motive" mean?

A "rational motive" refers to a logical or reasonable reason behind a person's actions or decisions, based on facts and sound judgment rather than emotions.

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

You can use "rational motive" to describe why someone did something, emphasizing the logical basis for their action. For instance: "His decision to invest was driven by a "rational motive" based on market analysis."

What are some alternatives to "rational motive"?

Alternatives include "logical reason", "reasonable cause", or "valid justification" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary for actions to have a "rational motive"?

Not always. Human actions can be driven by emotions, instincts, or other non-rational factors. However, identifying a "rational motive" often helps in understanding and predicting behavior in fields like economics or policy.