What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
motivate
Example
The coach's pep talk motivated the team to win the game. [motivated: past tense verb]
Example
The promise of a promotion motivated him to work harder. [motivated: past participle adjective]
spur
Example
The deadline is approaching, which should spur us to work harder. [spur: verb]
Example
The success of her friend's business spurred her to start her own. [spurred: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Motivate is more commonly used in everyday language, while spur is more formal and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between motivate and spur?
Spur is more formal than motivate and is typically used in more professional or academic contexts.
