specific motive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific motive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a particular reason or intention behind an action or behavior. Example: "The detective was trying to uncover the specific motive behind the crime to understand the suspect's actions better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The specific motive in the crime was a subject of conjecture.

The Guardian

A specific motive for the killing was never established, beyond a suspected breach of trust.

The New Yorker

Push motives concern internal changes that have the effect of triggering specific motive states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in many of these crimes, the specific motive remains unclear, but the pattern of danger is not.

The New Yorker

"There's still nothing to identify a specific motive as to why Mr Lee took these actions," Duke said.

The Guardian

There was no indication in the reports of a specific motive for the killing, or of any claim of responsibility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Changing perspectives and research on motivation have led away from large, all-encompassing theories of motivation to smaller, discrete theories that explain specific motives or specific aspects of motivation under particular conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By this I do not mean that she asks why — specific motives are as mulish and unanswerable as sin.

The New Yorker

It risks making decisive action look more impactful than decisive speech and allowing those murders – both with specific motives – stand for anything and everything.

The Guardian

The specific motives behind the November shooting at the Amman police training facility remain uncertain, and it is unclear when the F.B.I. will officially conclude its investigation.

The New York Times

At a press conference later on Wednesday, Franklin County sheriff Bill Overton said it was too early to conclude any specific motives behind the killings and said investigators were in possession of the document faxed to ABC as well as a cascade of social media postings published by the suspect before and after the attack.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivations, ensure you can clearly articulate the "specific motive" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "He had a motive", specify "His specific motive was revenge".

Common error

Avoid using "specific motive" when a general explanation suffices. For example, if the cause is unknown, state that "the motive is unclear" rather than speculating on a nonexistent "specific motive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific motive" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates a particular reason or intention behind an action. For example, “investigators were working to determine a specific motive for the killings”.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific motive" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize a particular reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. To enhance clarity in writing, consider using "specific motive" to clearly articulate the distinct reason rather than overgeneralizing motivations. Alternatives such as "particular reason" or "distinct motivation" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular reason

Emphasizes a distinct and individual cause or justification.

distinct motivation

Highlights a clear and separate driving force or influence.

precise intention

Focuses on the exact aim or purpose behind an action.

definite cause

Stresses a clear and established reason for something happening.

exact purpose

Emphasizes the accurate and intended goal of an action.

underlying reason

Highlights the fundamental or root cause.

driving force

Focuses on the element that impels or motivates action.

primary impetus

Emphasizes the initial or main stimulus for action.

root cause

Highlights the fundamental origin or reason behind an action.

real motivation

Stresses the actual or genuine reason for doing something.

FAQs

How do I use "specific motive" in a sentence?

Use "specific motive" to clearly define the particular reason behind someone's actions. For example: "The police are investigating the suspect's "specific motive" for the crime".

What's a good alternative to "specific motive"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "particular reason", "distinct motivation", or "precise intention".

Is it redundant to say "specific motive"?

While "motive" inherently implies a reason, using "specific motive" emphasizes that you are referring to a particular, clearly defined reason rather than a vague or general one.

What is the difference between "motive" and "specific motive"?

"Motive" refers to the general reason for an action, while "specific motive" emphasizes that the reason is clearly defined and particular. It adds a layer of precision.