Cool MateCause vs Motive
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cause
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Motive
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
| Cause | Motive | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈməʊtɪv/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈməʊtɪv/"]/ |
| Meaning | The reason something happens. | The reason someone does something. |
| Example | The cause of the accident was a flat tire. | The detective was trying to find the motive behind the crime. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | real, root, true, determine, discover, find, be, lie in something, remain, cause of, cause and effect, the cause of death, due to natural causes, good, great, real, have, find, give (somebody), cause for, cause for concern, with good cause, without good cause, deserving, good, just, advance, champion, embrace, for the cause of, in the cause of, in a/the cause, (all) for a good cause, (all) in a good cause | hidden, ulterior, good, be inspired by, have, establish, drive somebody/something, motive in, motive behind, motive for, a variety of motives |
| Antonyms | effect, result | apathy, indifference |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'cause' with 'because' in sentences., Using 'caused' incorrectly when the present form 'cause' is needed., Incorrectly using 'cause' as a noun instead of a verb. | Confused with 'motive' vs 'motif' (artistic theme), Using 'motive' for general causes instead of specific reasons, Incorrectly pluralizing as 'motives' when referring to a singular reason |
| Usage notes | Use 'cause' in standard writing and conversation. In formal contexts, you might use 'cause' less frequently, opting for 'cause' instead. Avoid using it in very casual or children's language. | Used in both formal and informal settings. Common in discussions about reasons behind actions, but avoid in casual conversations unless discussing motivations seriously. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cause vs Motive
What's the difference between Cause and Motive?
Cause: The reason something happens. Motive: The reason someone does something.
Which is more advanced: Cause and Motive?
Motive is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Cause and Motive the same CEFR level?
Cause: A2, Motive: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Cause and Motive?
Cause: noun, Motive: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Cause: The cause of the accident was a flat tire. Motive: The detective was trying to find the motive behind the crime.
Can I use Cause and Motive interchangeably?
Not always. Cause and Motive are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.