underlying motive

USAGE SUMMARY

"underlying motive" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
It generally refers to a hidden purpose or goal that has yet to be revealed. For example: It was difficult to ascertain her underlying motive for quitting her job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The underlying motive behind this dinner, she admitted, was to get Ms. Barrett back in action.

The New York Times

Whatever the underlying motive, analysts said, two recent steps -- the dividend and the incorporating of oil-trading subsidiaries -- have helped convince shareholders that the company takes them seriously.

The New York Times

After going through all of the articles, I have identified one underlying motive that leads the US to violate the whole declaration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever the underlying motive behind an individual act of mass violence, the instant, global notoriety now guaranteed to any disturbed person who carries out such an attack has, surely, also become a lure.

The Guardian

For example, Nietzsche (whose version of this idea is the more plausible) traced back such Christian values as love and forgiveness to a contrary underlying motive of resentment [Ressentiment].

SEP

And an underlying motive: oil.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

While research on consumer psychology has focused on the underlying motives behind a large variety of human behaviors, there is still a shortage of research on parents' underlying motivations for applying the different feeding practices and styles [ 10].

BioMed Research International

Some detractors will question underlying motives.

Harvard Business Review

Ideas are studied not as underlying motives for action, but in another way.

The New York Times - Books

The objective of this research is to obtain insight into the reasons, underlying motives and processes that steer this resistance as they are perceived by the agricultural sector.

Land Use Policy

People attach multiple values to urban green spaces which play varied roles in cities. Properly designed monetary valuation surveys can ascertain their non-market value and underlying motives.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlying motive" to describe intentions that are not explicitly stated. It adds nuance to your writing by acknowledging the complexity of human behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying motive" interchangeably with "ulterior motive". While both refer to hidden reasons, "ulterior motive" specifically implies a deceptive or self-serving intention, which may not always be the case with an "underlying motive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying motive" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the fundamental reason or intention behind an action or decision. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a hidden purpose or goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying motive" is used to describe the fundamental reason behind an action or decision, often one that is not immediately apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase across various contexts. Analysis reveals that this phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources. When writing, it's crucial to distinguish "underlying motive" from "ulterior motive", as the latter implies a deceptive intention. For alternatives, consider phrases like "hidden agenda" or "true intention" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core motivation

This underscores the fundamental reason that stimulates action or behavior.

true intention

This phrase focuses on the purpose behind the action, emphasizing honesty and clarity.

real reason

This option is a more direct and less suggestive way of expressing the true motive.

actual purpose

This term highlights the genuine aim, often in contrast to a stated or perceived purpose.

deep-seated reason

This phrase suggests a motive that is deeply ingrained and not easily apparent.

hidden agenda

This alternative suggests a motive that is deliberately concealed.

fundamental rationale

This alternative refers to the basic set of principles or reasons that underlie a course of action.

secret aim

This suggests a goal that is kept hidden, often for strategic reasons.

driving force

This alternative implies a powerful, compelling motive that propels action.

primary cause

This option shifts the focus to the causal factor that is most important.

FAQs

What does "underlying motive" mean?

The "underlying motive" refers to the fundamental, often hidden, reason or intention behind someone's actions or decisions. It's the core motivation that isn't always apparent on the surface.

How can I identify the "underlying motive" in a situation?

Identifying the "underlying motive" involves careful observation, critical thinking, and analysis of the context. Look beyond the surface explanations and consider potential hidden reasons or intentions.

What are some alternatives to "underlying motive"?

You can use alternatives like "hidden agenda", "true intention", or "core motivation" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to have an "underlying motive"?

Not necessarily. While the term can sometimes imply a hidden or less-than-transparent reason, it doesn't automatically mean the motive is negative. It simply means there's a deeper, perhaps unstated, reason at play.