motivate in a sentence

The Ultimate Guide To Using Motivate In A Sentence

Using motivate in a sentence can empower your writing; use it to encourage action, inspire change, or spark creativity in your audience.

Today, let’s look at over 100 examples of motivate in a sentence, with the aim of boosting our English grammar and vocabulary. Not only that, we will delve into the greater topic of motivation, and look at plenty of lines on motivation to get you using your English brain! 

Today, we will cover these topics:

The ultimate guide:Define motivate25 easy examples, 25 advanced sentence examples25 Examples with the present progressive tense
10 simple present tense examples10 simple future tense examplesMotivate synonym: 3 super examplesA Motivation quiz
Questions to motivate studentslines on motivation to help the demotivatedmotivation conversation starters100+ Examples!
sentences with motivate
Sentences with motivate

Related: 33 Awesome Examples Of Acquire In A Sentence

Define motivate

Before we dive into using motivate in a sentence, it is handy to first define motivate. “Motivate” means to inspire or encourage someone to do something, often by giving them a reason to act or by increasing their desire or interest in achieving a goal. We want to change their minds from lacking interest (kind of demotivated) to being full of purpose.

Here are a few examples of when you might use the word “motivate”:

  • When you want to encourage someone to start a new project or pursue a goal: “I want to motivate my team to work harder and reach our sales targets for the quarter.”
  • When you want to inspire a family member to be more active or make healthier choices: “I’m trying to motivate my brother Tom to go to the gym three times a week.”
  • When you want to encourage someone to learn a new skill or take on a challenging task: “I need to motivate my son to study for his math exam next week.”
  • When you want to inspire someone to take a risk or try something new: “I hope my words of encouragement will motivate my friend to chase her dream of starting her own business.”

I would say the word “motivate” is mostly used in situations where someone needs that extra “push” or boost to take action, try a new challenge, or make positive changes in their life.

Motivate in a sentence

To show you how to use motivate in a sentence, let’s look at 25 short and relatively simple English sentences. If you have difficulty with any of these lines on motivation, go over them again slowly and try to imagine the situation.

  1. Jane’s passion for music motivates her to practice every day.
  2. Tom’s desire to be successful motivates him to work hard.
  3. Sarah loves animals. That motivates her to volunteer at the local animal shelter.
  4. John’s dream of traveling motivates him to save money.
  5. Emily’s dedication to fitness motivates her to exercise regularly.
  6. David’s belief in himself motivates him to take risks.
  7. Lily’s love for cooking motivates her to experiment with new recipes.
  8. Mark’s desire to help others motivates him to volunteer at a soup kitchen.
  9. Rachel’s love for learning motivates her to study hard at college.
  10. Michael’s passion for photography motivates him to explore new places, like California and Nevada.
  11. Olivia’s desire to be healthy motivates her to eat nutritious food like pumpkin seeds!
  12. James’ determination to succeed motivates him to study hard.
  13. Anna’s love for nature motivates her to spend time outdoors.
  14. Eric’s belief in teamwork motivates him to collaborate with others.
  15. Samantha’s love for art motivates her to create new pieces.
  16. William’s passion for sports motivates him to train regularly.
  17. Sophia’s dedication to her job motivates her to work hard.
  18. Daniel’s desire to make a difference motivates him to volunteer to pick up trash.
  19. Ava’s love for music motivates her to learn to play the piano better each day!
  20. Benjamin has a belief in himself that motivates him to pursue his dreams.
  21. Grace’s desire to be successful motivates her to take on new challenges.
  22. Ethan’s love for science motivates him to conduct experiments.
  23. Chloe’s passion for fashion motivates her to create her to work hard at uni.
  24. Christopher’s dedication to his family motivates him to work hard and provide for them.
  25. Isabella has the desire to help others. It motivates her to volunteer at the community center.

Sentences with motivate

To further show you how to use motivate in a sentence, let’s look at 25 trickier English sentences. If you have difficulty with any of these harder lines on motivation, once again, go over them again slowly and try to imagine the situation. We will be using more challenging vocab, such as adverbs, and some advanced adjectives.

  1. Katherine’s unwavering determination motivated her to overcome every obstacle on her path to success.
  2. Alexander has an insatiable curiosity about the world that motivates him to learn about different cultures and customs.
  3. Victoria’s tireless efforts to inspire her team motivate them to work towards their goals with passion and enthusiasm.
  4. Gabriel’s innate sense of empathy motivates him to seek out opportunities to help those in need.
  5. Her meticulous attention to detail motivates Sara to ensure that every aspect of her work is executed flawlessly.
  6. His exceptional leadership skills motivate Nick’s team to perform at their highest level, even under pressure.
  7. Sophia’s unbridled enthusiasm for innovation motivates her to explore new technologies and approaches in her field.
  8. Tony definitely has a keen sense of ambition, and it motivates him to continually push himself to achieve greater heights.
  9. Olivia’s tenacious perseverance in the face of adversity motivates her to never give up on her dreams.
  10. Liam’s unwavering work ethic motivates him to go above and beyond in everything he does. He’s already read all these lines on motivation today!
  11. Charlotte’s unparalleled creativity motivates her to develop truly unique and inspired solutions to complex problems.
  12. Ethan’s deeply introspective nature motivates him to continually examine his own thoughts and feelings, as well as those of others.
  13. Aria’s sharp intellect and keen analytical mind motivate her to tackle even the most challenging and nuanced problems with ease.
  14. William’s boundless curiosity motivates him to explore the world around him with a sense of wonder and awe.
  15. Abigail’s exceptional communication skills motivate her to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level. Not superficially at all.
  16. Elijah’s innate sense of empathy and understanding motivates him to seek out diverse perspectives and opinions.
  17. Natalie’s fierce dedication to her craft motivates her to continually refine her skills and hone her talents.
  18. Christopher’s unrelenting drive and determination motivate him to push through even the toughest obstacles and challenges.
  19. Elizabeth’s profound sense of purpose and vision motivates her to continually strive for excellence in all aspects of her life.
  20. Andrew’s deep-rooted sense of responsibility motivates him to always act with integrity and honor.
  21. Madison’s infectious energy and enthusiasm motivate those around her to join her in pursuit of their dreams.
  22. Jacob’s unshakable commitment to his goals motivates him to work tirelessly towards achieving them, no matter what.
  23. Grace has remarkable adaptability and flexibility that motivate her to thrive in even the most dynamic and uncertain environments.
  24. Lucas has extraordinary resilience and perseverance that motivate him to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
  25. Isabella’s unwavering conviction and determination motivate her to never give up on what she believes in, even in the face of adversity.

I hope you feel inspired after reading about how highly motivated the above folks are! More lines on motivation are right below!

10 Examples of motivate in a sentence with the simple present tense 

Let’s practice 10 examples of motivate in a sentence using the simple present tense. We use this tense when we want to talk about routine or current activities.

  1. I motivate myself every morning by reminding myself of my goals.
  2. Laura motivates her team by setting clear expectations and offering support.
  3. He motivates others with his positive attitude and can-do spirit!
  4. They motivate each other to stay on track and work towards their shared vision.
  5. Coach Reynolds motivates his players to give their best effort on the field.
  6. We motivate ourselves by celebrating small victories along the way.
  7. She motivates her coworkers by recognizing their hard work and achievements.
  8. Tyrone motivates himself by listening to uplifting music before starting his day.
  9. They motivate each other by sharing success stories and inspiring quotes.
  10. The teacher motivates her students by making the learning experience fun and engaging.

10 Examples of motivate in a sentence with the simple future tense

Now why don’t we look at 10 examples of motivate in a sentence using the simple future tense?  

  1. John will motivate his team to reach their sales targets next quarter.
  2. Sarah will motivate herself to complete her first marathon next year.
  3. David will motivate his colleagues to embrace the new project management software.
  4. Rachel will motivate her students to achieve their full potential in the upcoming school year.
  5. Tom will motivate himself to learn a new language by signing up for classes next semester.
  6. Eve will motivate her employees to improve their customer service skills by providing training.
  7. Michael will motivate his friends to join him on a charity run next month.
  8. Lisa will motivate her clients to stick to their fitness goals by creating personalized workout plans.
  9. Eric will motivate his team to come up with innovative solutions to the problem.
  10. Samantha will motivate herself to pursue her passion for painting by taking art classes in the future.

25 Examples of motivate in a sentence with the present progressive tense

Present progressive? Yes! We use this convenient verb tense to explain a current and ongoing action. Here are 25 handy examples of motivate in a sentence using this!

  1. Sarah is currently motivating her team to meet their monthly targets.
  2. John is always motivating himself to become a better version of himself.
  3. We are motivating each other to stay on track with our fitness goals.
  4. Susan is currently motivating her coworkers to embrace the company’s new values.
  5. He is constantly motivating himself to learn new skills and improve his career prospects.
  6. The coach is motivating his players to work hard and stay focused on the game.
  7. They are motivating each other to stay positive and optimistic during tough times.
  8. David is currently motivating his team to embrace a more collaborative work environment.
  9. She is motivating her students to participate more actively in class discussions.
  10. The team is currently motivating each other to deliver the project on time and on budget.
  11. Tom is constantly motivating himself to keep up with his training regimen for the upcoming race.
  12. My wife and I are motivating each other to take up healthier habits and live a more active lifestyle.
  13. Michael is currently motivating his friends to participate in a volunteering activity this weekend. They aren’t keen on picking up garbage!
  14. The manager is busy motivating her team to embrace the company’s new marketing strategy, which they are not fond of! 
  15. Lisa is constantly motivating her clients to stick to their weight loss goals by providing support and guidance.
  16. They are motivating each other to stay committed to their project and deliver high-quality results.
  17. Rachel is currently motivating her students to improve their writing skills by providing feedback and guidance.
  18. He is motivating himself to complete his PhD by working hard on his research every day.
  19. The team is motivating each other to stay positive and keep pushing forward despite many significant setbacks.
  20. Samantha is constantly motivating herself to learn something new in English each day, for instance, today’s lines on motivation
  21. They are motivating each other to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce their carbon footprint.
  22. Emily is currently motivating her employees to provide better customer service by providing coaching and feedback, whenever it looks like it’s needed.
  23. The teacher is motivating her students to stay curious and keep asking questions to deepen their understanding.
  24. Eric is constantly motivating his team to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to challenges.
  25. She is motivating herself to travel more and explore new cultures by saving up and planning her next trip. Spain is in her sights!

Motivate synonym: 3 super examples

Today we are mainly looking at using motivate in a sentence, but as we learn and develop our English skills, it is very handy to know other words and expressions to complement these lines on motivation. Here are 3 examples of a “motivate synonym”, with example sentences for you to better visualize the situations where we’d use them.

Motivate synonym 1: Inspire

  1. Jane’s music teacher inspired her to pursue a career in the arts.
  2. The coach’s pep talk inspired the team to give their all during the game.
  3. The CEO’s vision for the company inspired the employees to work harder and smarter.

Motivate synonym 2: Stimulate

  1. The challenging puzzles stimulated the children’s problem-solving skills.
  2. The exciting new project stimulated the team’s creativity and innovation.
  3. The engaging lecture stimulated the students’ interest in the subject matter.

Motivate synonym 3: Galvanize

  1. The urgent need for action galvanized the community to come together and make a difference.
  2. The shocking news galvanized the company to take swift and decisive action.
  3. The inspiring speech galvanized the audience to take action toward a common goal.

Questions to motivate students

Today we are not only practicing using motivate in a sentence but also thinking about the topic as a whole. So, if you are a teacher, here are some questions you might want to ask or discuss with students or fellow teachers, and classroom assistants. They may help you to inspire, galvanize, or motivate!

  1. What are some real-world applications of the subject you are studying, and how can you use this knowledge to make a difference in the world?
  2. What new skills or knowledge will you gain by studying this subject, and how can you leverage these skills to achieve your personal and professional goals?
  3. How will understanding this subject help you better motivate yourself and understand the world around you?
  4. How can you use what you are learning to help others, whether it’s by sharing your knowledge with others or by applying your skills to help those in need?
  5. What opportunities will you miss out on if you don’t put in the effort to learn and master this subject?
  6. How will mastering this subject improve your chances of success in your future career or academic pursuits?
  7. What challenges have you faced in learning this subject, and how can you overcome them to achieve your goals?
  8. What resources are available to you to help you learn and master this subject, and how can you make the most of these resources?
  9. How can you apply what you are learning to real-world situations, and what impact can you have on your community and society at large?
  10. How will learning this subject contribute to your personal growth and development, and how can you use what you learn to become a better person?
  11. What motivational methods are useful to use to stay inspired over the long term?
  12. How can learning today’s lines on motivation help with your overall levels of drive?

Additional motivation conversation starters

On the topic of using motivate in a sentence, so far we have used it pretty extensively. Here are even more examples that we may not have covered so far! Please use them as ways to start conversations!

  1. Another word for inspire is motivate. Is there a difference between the two?
  2. Demotivate is the opposite of motivate. What are some things that demotivate you in your life?
  3. Explain motivate’s meaning.
  4. How to motivate yourself is a struggle for some people. Any advice?
  5. If you were a manager, you might worry about how how to motivate employees. Any tips?
  6. If you were feeling down, or demotivated, you might wonder how to get motivated. What would you do?
  7. Your friend is lacking drive or ambition. It is quite common. How to motivate someone is a tricky question. Any ideas?
  8. I can’t seem to settle down and study at night. I feel demotivated. Do you have any suggestions on how to motivate yourself to study?
  9. How can learning lines on motivation help you?

Motivation quiz

Here’s a motivation quiz for students, with answers. Give this your best shot!

1. What is the definition of the word “motivate”?a) To discourage someone
b) To inspire or encourage someone to do something
c) To criticize someone harshly
2. Which of the following phrases means the opposite of “motivate”?a) Demotivate
b) Remotivate
c) Promote
3. Which of the following is an example of a sentence using “motivate” correctly?a) “She didn’t do her homework because she was motivated.”
b) “I’m going to offer you more pocket money to motivate you to study harder.”
c) “He was unmotivated, so he worked hard to finish the project.”
4. What part of speech is “motivate” in the following sentence: “The coach tried to motivate the team before the big game.”?a) Noun
b) Verb
c) Adjective
5. Which of the following synonyms of “motivate” has a negative connotation?a) Encourage
b) Spur
c) Coax

Motivation quiz answers

Here are the answers to the motivation quiz. Fingers crossed you got them ALL right!

Motivation quiz answers:Q1: b) To inspire or encourage someone to do somethingQ2: a) Demotivate
Q3: b)Q4: b) VerbQ5: Encourage (none of the given synonyms inherently have a negative connotation, but “encourage” can be used in a negative context depending on the tone and circumstances).

Demotivated? Try these lines on motivation

If you are feeling demotivated with your English study, or even something else, think about these lines on motivation, to inspire you!

  • Set goals: Set clear and achievable goals for yourself. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
  • Break it down: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This will make the process less daunting and help you feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task.
  • Reward yourself: Celebrate your achievements along the way with rewards. This can be something as simple as a coffee break or something bigger like treating yourself to a night out or buying yourself a present.
  • Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you. This can help boost your morale and keep you motivated.
  • Take breaks: Taking breaks can actually increase productivity and help you stay motivated. It gives you time to recharge and come back to your work or study with renewed energy.
  • Visualize success: Visualize yourself achieving your goals and how it will feel once you do. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your end goal.
  • Avoid the toxic. If there are people in your circle who criticize unnecessarily, or are just negative about things in general, avoid them!

Today we have mostly focused on using motivate in a sentence – but it is good to visualize the greater topic and lines on motivation like this. Remember that motivation is not always constant and it’s okay to have off days! But implementing these ideas can help you stay on track and motivated towards success, whether that is with learning English, or something else altogether!


Using motivate in a sentence to supercharge your English!

Using the word motivate in a sentence is beneficial as it emphasizes the importance of creating a positive mindset, setting goals, and taking action to achieve them, which can help us stay engaged and make faster progress. Where possible, try to use this handy word in your speaking and writing, too!

This is a recap of what we have studied today:

  • We have defined motivate
  • We have checked out 25 easy English examples of motivate in a sentence
  • We have also gone over 25 advanced English examples of motivate in a sentence
  • We’ve looked at 3 motivate synonyms ( galvanize, stimulate, and inspire)
  • 25 Examples of motivate in a sentence with the present progressive tense
  • 10 simple present tense examples
  • 10 simple future tense examples
  • A Motivation quiz
  • Motivational sentences for when we are feeling demotivated with our studies.
  • We went over some lines on motivation to inspire those of us who feel demotivated.
  • Additionally, we practiced questions to motivate students and looked at conversation topics related to motivation.

If you would like to find more super examples of English sentences, you need to look no further than Natural English Central!