"I was motivated" vs "It motivated me"

Question

"I was motivated" vs "It motivated me"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different structures and convey slightly different meanings. 'I was motivated' focuses on the internal feeling of motivation experienced by the speaker, while 'It motivated me' emphasizes the external factor that caused the motivation. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to highlight the personal feeling of motivation or the external source of motivation.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is used to convey that the speaker felt motivated by something. It emphasizes the internal feeling of motivation.

Examples:

I was motivated to work harder after seeing her dedication.
I was motivated by the success stories of others.
I was motivated to learn a new skill.
I was motivated to exercise regularly.
I was motivated to pursue my dreams.

Alternatives:

I felt motivated
I found motivation
I was inspired
I felt driven
I was encouraged

This phrase is used to indicate that an external factor or event inspired or encouraged the speaker to take action. It emphasizes the external source of motivation.

Examples:

Watching her presentation motivated me to improve my public speaking skills.
The book motivated me to start my own business.
The movie motivated me to travel more.
The quote motivated me to never give up.
The challenge motivated me to push myself harder.

Alternatives:

It inspired me
It encouraged me
It drove me
It spurred me on
It pushed me

Answer 1

I was motivated

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the feeling of being motivated.

Answer 2

It motivated me

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express that something external served as a source of motivation.

"I was motivated" vs "It motivated me"

I was motivated

It motivated me

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