Award or Reward: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: Knowing the difference between award and reward is essential for clear communication. An award is a prize or honor given for achievement, whereas a reward is something given in return for good behavior, effort, or service. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right word for prizes granted officially or payments for information.
The Short Answer
An award is a prize or honor given for achievement, or to grant something officially, while a reward is something given in return for good behavior, effort, or service.
People often confuse these terms because both involve giving something to another person. However, the intent matters: awards recognize past accomplishments or skills, while rewards incentivize future actions or compensate for specific helpful acts.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Award | Noun | Use it when you give a trophy, medal, or scholarship for a specific achievement. |
| Award | Verb | Use it when you officially grant something to someone. |
| Reward | Noun | Use it when you give money or items for a service or information. |
| Reward | Verb | Use it when you pay someone for a completed task or helpful act. |
Correct Example Sentences
- The student received an award for winning the science fair.
- The police offered a reward for information about the missing cat.
- She was awarded the contract after submitting the best proposal.
- He received a bonus as a reward for his hard work this year.
- The company awards scholarships to high-achieving students annually.
- They paid a reward for the safe return of the lost dog.
- The judge awarded the defendant a reduced sentence.
- The team was rewarded with a trip to Paris.
- No one gave him an award for helping the new employee.
- The hero was rewarded with a medal of honor.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- The manager gave him a reward for his excellent presentation.
- The manager gave him an award for his excellent presentation.
- She was rewarded the trophy for being first in the race.
- She was awarded the trophy for being first in the race.
- Please give us a reward for your help with the project.
- Please give us an award for your help with the project.
- He wants to be rewarded for his loyalty.
- He wants to be rewarded for his loyalty.
- The committee decided to award the money to the winner.
- The committee decided to award the money to the winner.
- Did you receive an award for finishing the marathon?
- Did you receive a reward for finishing the marathon?
A Quick Test You Can Use
Ask yourself if the item is recognizing a past accomplishment or granting an official honor; if yes, use award. If the item is compensating for a service, paying for information, or encouraging a specific action, then use reward instead.
Related Word Pairs
- Advice vs Advise
- Advice is a noun meaning helpful suggestions, while advise is a verb meaning to give those suggestions.
- Effect vs Affect
- Effect is usually a noun meaning a result, whereas affect is usually a verb meaning to influence something.
- Compliment vs Complement
- Compliment means to praise someone verbally, while complement means to complete or go well with something.
- Principal vs Principle
- Principal refers to a headmaster or main sum of money, while principle refers to a fundamental truth or rule.
- Historic vs Historical
- Historic describes something famous in history, while historical simply relates to the past.
