ulterior reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ulterior reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a hidden or concealed motive behind someone's actions or decisions. Example: "While he claimed to support the initiative, many suspected he had an ulterior reason for his involvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In any case, Mr. Hutcher said, Dunkin' Donuts has an ulterior reason to want Riese out of the picture.

The New York Times

The unrewarded children – who don't know the other group are getting rewards – keep on helping, content with no ulterior reason other than the act of helping".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the fashion tribe found plenty of ulterior reasons to party during New York Fashion Week.

The New York Times

In addition to defeating the enemy and capturing a large area of their territory, Allenby had an ulterior motive: "Another reason for moving to this line is that it will encourage both my own new Indian troops and my Arab Allies".

Wikipedia

Just when you think you've figured out that he's a crook, he reveals an ulterior and principled but lucrative reason for his crookedness.

The New Yorker

That scene in Salt Lake City, full of deal-making international judges, was a long way from the one here at the Lake Placid Ice Dancing Championships, a small-town gathering that drew 350 or so ice dancers, mostly juniors and novices with little reason to fear ulterior motives among the band of volunteer judges sequestered on one side of the arena.

The New York Times - Sports

Now a campaign led by certain American extremist groups has tried to denounce anti-Semitism in France for political reasons and political ulterior motives.... Q -- But who was responsible for the incidents that occurred?

The New York Times

The very magnanimity of the gesture invites suspicions of ulterior motives - and not without reason.

The Guardian - Books

Come forward to an authority figure and you'll face unfair consequences: people will be uncomfortable around you, perceiving ulterior motives; people will look for reasons that this happened to you, specifically; maybe you simply won't be believed.

The New Yorker

"I have no reason to think there are ulterior motives," Mr. Jonas said, "but there may be concern that there's another shoe to drop, another quality issue coming and maybe that's why the stock is down as much as it is".

The New York Times

The will purified of any inclination and desire for an ulterior end is the proper matter for practical reason.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations: "ulterior reason" often implies a degree of skepticism or suspicion regarding someone's true intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "ulterior reason" if you simply mean someone has multiple reasons for doing something; reserve it for situations where a hidden or potentially questionable motive is suspected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ulterior reason" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ulterior" modifies the noun "reason". It describes a specific kind of reason, one that is hidden or not immediately apparent. Ludwig's examples indicate that it's used to express skepticism about stated motivations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ulterior reason" is a grammatically correct expression used to suggest a hidden or unstated motive behind someone's actions. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its frequency is relatively rare. Its primary function is to express doubt or suspicion, and it is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential negative connotations and ensure the context clearly suggests a hidden motive to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden motive

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the motive.

secret agenda

Suggests a planned course of action kept hidden.

underlying motive

Highlights the motive as being fundamental but not immediately obvious.

unspoken intention

Focuses on the intention being implied rather than explicitly stated.

concealed purpose

Stresses that the purpose is deliberately kept from being known.

covert motivation

Emphasizes the secret and disguised nature of the motivation.

private incentive

Focuses on the personal benefit driving the action, kept from public knowledge.

unacknowledged rationale

Highlights that the true rationale is not being admitted or recognized.

veiled motive

Suggests the motive is obscured or disguised.

disguised intent

Focuses on the intent being misrepresented or hidden behind a false appearance.

FAQs

What does "ulterior reason" mean?

The phrase "ulterior reason" refers to a hidden, often less honorable, motive behind someone's actions or statements. It suggests that the stated reason is not the complete or true reason.

How can I use "ulterior reason" in a sentence?

You can use "ulterior reason" to express suspicion or doubt about someone's motivations. For example: "While he claimed to be helping, I suspected he had an "ulterior reason".

What are some alternatives to "ulterior reason"?

Alternatives include "hidden motive", "secret agenda", or "underlying motive". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to suggest someone has an "ulterior reason"?

While often negative, suggesting an "ulterior reason" isn't always accusatory. It can simply imply that someone has additional, perhaps unspoken, motives. However, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.