Collocations for "motive"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "motive" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
motive
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- [a hidden, an ulterior, a real, a financial, a strong] motive
- the [prime, underlying] motive (to)
- no [known, particular, specific, apparent] motive
- his motives [for, behind]
- her motive for [going, lying, buying]
- [establish, find, reveal, doubt, question, understand] their motives
- establish a motive for the [crime, theft, lie]
- had motive and opportunity
- [revenge, money, fame] was the motive
- runs on motive power
- provide the motive force for
- is the motive force [for, behind]
- the motive [theory, principle] of
'motive' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):