Award vs Reward: The Main Differences And When To Use Them

When it comes to recognizing someone’s achievement, we often hear the words “award” and “reward” being used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two that can make a big impact on the message you are trying to convey.

We should clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. While both words are correct in certain contexts, “award” is typically used to describe an official recognition or honor that is given to someone for their accomplishments. On the other hand, “reward” is usually used to describe something that is given in return for a specific action or behavior.

With that being said, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word in order to use them effectively. Awards are usually given to recognize excellence or achievement in a particular field, such as a Nobel Prize for a scientist or an Academy Award for an actor. Rewards, on the other hand, are often used as an incentive to encourage a certain behavior or action, such as a bonus for meeting a sales target or a gift card for completing a survey.

Now that we have established the difference between awards and rewards, let’s dive deeper into the implications of using each word and how it can affect the message you are trying to convey.

Define Award

An award is a recognition or honor given to an individual or organization for their achievements, contributions, or excellence in their field of work or activity. Awards can be in the form of certificates, trophies, medals, plaques, or other symbolic items that represent the recognition of the recipient’s accomplishments. Awards are usually given based on specific criteria or standards that are established by the awarding organization or committee.

Define Reward

A reward is a benefit or incentive given to an individual or group for their performance or behavior. Rewards can be in the form of money, gifts, promotions, or other tangible or intangible benefits that motivate the recipient to continue their positive actions or improve their performance. Rewards are usually given as a result of meeting specific goals, targets, or expectations set by the employer or organization. Rewards can also be given as a form of appreciation or recognition for the recipient’s efforts or contributions.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words correctly, understanding the nuances of similar terms is crucial. In the case of award vs. reward, there are distinct differences in meaning that can affect how they are used in a sentence. Here is a breakdown of how to use each term properly.

How To Use “Award” In A Sentence

The word “award” is typically used to describe a formal recognition or honor given to someone for their achievements or contributions. It can be used as a noun or a verb, depending on the context. Here are a few examples:

• She received an award for her outstanding performance in the play.
• The committee will award the scholarship to the most deserving candidate.
• The company was awarded a contract to build the new stadium.

As you can see, “award” is used to describe a specific achievement or recognition that is given to someone. It is often associated with formal ceremonies or official acknowledgments of accomplishment.

How To Use “Reward” In A Sentence

The word “reward” is similar to “award,” but it is generally used in a broader sense to describe any type of benefit or incentive given to someone for their actions or behavior. It can also be used as a noun or a verb. Here are some examples:

• The teacher rewarded the students with extra credit for their hard work.
• He was rewarded for his honesty with a promotion.
• The company offers rewards to customers who refer new business.

As you can see, “reward” can be used to describe a wide range of benefits or incentives, from tangible rewards like promotions or bonuses to intangible rewards like recognition or praise. It is often associated with positive reinforcement and encouraging certain behaviors or actions.

More Examples Of Award & Reward Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between award and reward, let’s take a look at some examples of how these words are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Award In A Sentence

• She received an award for her outstanding academic achievements.
• The company presented him with an award for his exceptional sales performance.
• The film won several awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
• The athlete was honored with a special award for his contributions to the sport.
• The organization gave awards to several volunteers for their dedication and hard work.
• The teacher received an award for her innovative teaching methods.
• The artist was given an award for her stunning paintings.
• The author won an award for her latest novel.
• The musician was recognized with an award for his outstanding contributions to the industry.
• The committee decided to award the contract to the highest bidder.

Examples Of Using Reward In A Sentence

• The company offered a cash reward to employees who met their sales targets.
• The dog was given a treat as a reward for learning a new trick.
• The coach promised to reward the team with a pizza party if they won the championship.
• The children were rewarded with stickers for completing their homework on time.
• The restaurant offered a free dessert as a reward for customers who completed a survey.
• The company CEO received a huge bonus as a reward for his successful leadership.
• The parents decided to reward their son with a new video game for his good grades.
• The teacher rewarded her students with extra credit for participating in class discussions.
• The company implemented a rewards program to incentivize employees to work harder.
• The government offered a reward for information leading to the capture of a wanted criminal.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the terms “award” and “reward,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, it is important to note that these two terms have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Award” Instead Of “Reward”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “award” instead of “reward” when referring to something that is given in recognition of an achievement or accomplishment. While both words may seem interchangeable at first glance, there is a key difference between the two.

An award is typically given as a form of recognition or honor for a specific achievement or accomplishment. It is often something that is earned through hard work or dedication. For example, a student may receive an award for achieving the highest grade in their class or a musician may receive an award for their outstanding performance.

A reward, on the other hand, is something that is given in recognition of a job well done. It is often used as an incentive to encourage people to work harder or to achieve a specific goal. For example, an employee may receive a reward for meeting their sales quota or a child may receive a reward for completing their chores.

Using “Reward” Instead Of “Award”

Another common mistake people make is using “reward” instead of “award” when referring to something that is given as a form of recognition or honor. While these two terms may seem similar, there is a key difference between them.

As mentioned earlier, a reward is something that is given in recognition of a job well done. It is often used as an incentive to encourage people to work harder or to achieve a specific goal. However, an award is given as a form of recognition or honor for a specific achievement or accomplishment.

For example, if a student receives a reward for getting good grades, it is because they worked hard and achieved a specific goal. However, if that same student receives an award for being the valedictorian of their class, it is because they have achieved a significant accomplishment that deserves recognition and honor.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the difference between “award” and “reward.” Here are some tips to help you use these terms correctly:

• Think about the context in which the word is being used. Is it being used to recognize a specific achievement or to encourage someone to work harder?
• Consider the connotations of each word. Does “award” suggest a higher level of recognition than “reward”?
• When in doubt, use a thesaurus to find a word that more accurately conveys the meaning you are trying to express.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “award” and “reward,” context can make all the difference. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between award and reward might change:

Corporate Settings

In a corporate setting, the word “award” is often used to recognize achievements or contributions made by employees. For example, an employee might receive an award for outstanding performance, such as “Employee of the Year.” On the other hand, the word “reward” might be used to incentivize certain behaviors or outcomes. For instance, a sales team might be offered a reward for meeting a certain quota, such as a bonus or vacation package.

Schools And Academia

In an academic setting, the word “award” is commonly used to recognize achievements such as academic excellence or athletic ability. For example, a student might receive an award for having the highest GPA in their class or for being the top scorer on a sports team. In this context, the word “reward” might be used to incentivize good behavior or academic performance, such as giving students a reward for completing their homework or participating in class discussions.

Legal And Justice Systems

In the legal and justice systems, the words “award” and “reward” can have different meanings depending on the context. An award might refer to a decision made by a judge or arbitrator in a legal case, such as a monetary award for damages. In this context, the word “reward” might be used to refer to a bounty or payment offered for information leading to the capture of a criminal.

Non-profit And Charitable Organizations

In the non-profit and charitable sector, the word “award” might be used to recognize volunteers or donors who have made significant contributions to the organization. For example, a non-profit might give out awards for volunteer of the year or donor of the year. Meanwhile, the word “reward” might be used to incentivize donations or volunteer work. For instance, a charity might offer a reward to donors who give a certain amount of money, such as a t-shirt or other branded merchandise.

As you can see, the choice between award and reward can depend greatly on the context in which they are used. Understanding these nuances can help you use the right word in the right situation, and avoid any potential confusion or miscommunication.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using award and reward are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some cases where the usage of these terms might differ:

1. Legal Terminology

In the legal context, award and reward can have different meanings. An award refers to a decision made by an arbitrator or judge in a legal dispute. On the other hand, a reward is a sum of money offered for information or services rendered.

For example, in a personal injury case, a plaintiff may be awarded damages for their losses. In a criminal case, a reward may be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.

2. Sports And Competitions

In sports and competitions, the terms award and reward can be used interchangeably to refer to prizes given to winners or participants. However, there are some subtle differences in usage.

An award is typically given to recognize achievement or excellence in a particular field. For example, the Academy Awards recognize outstanding achievements in the film industry. A reward, on the other hand, is often given as an incentive or motivation to encourage participation or performance.

For instance, a company may offer a reward to employees who meet certain sales targets. In a sports context, a reward may be offered to athletes who break records or achieve exceptional results.

3. Linguistic Differences

While award and reward are generally used interchangeably, there may be some linguistic differences in usage depending on the context or region.

For example, in British English, the term award is more commonly used to refer to prizes or recognition given for achievement or excellence. In American English, the term reward may be used more frequently in this context.

Similarly, in some contexts, the term award may be used to refer specifically to non-monetary prizes, while reward may refer to monetary incentives or compensation.

4. Idiomatic Usage

Finally, there may be some idiomatic usage where award and reward are used in a non-literal sense. For example, the phrase “award-winning” may be used to describe a product or service that has received recognition or praise.

Similarly, the phrase “rewarding experience” may be used to describe a situation or activity that is satisfying or fulfilling, even if there is no monetary compensation involved.

Exceptions To The Rules

Context	Usage	Example
Legal	Award refers to a decision made by an arbitrator or judge; reward refers to a sum of money offered for information or services rendered	A plaintiff may be awarded damages in a personal injury case; a reward may be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in a criminal case
Sports and Competitions	Award is given to recognize achievement or excellence; reward is given as an incentive or motivation	The Academy Awards recognize outstanding achievements in the film industry; a company may offer a reward to employees who meet certain sales targets
Linguistic Differences	Usage may differ depending on context or region	In British English, award is more commonly used to refer to prizes or recognition for achievement; in American English, reward may be used more frequently in this context
Idiomatic Usage	Award and reward may be used in a non-literal sense	“Award-winning” may be used to describe a product or service that has received recognition or praise; “rewarding experience” may be used to describe a situation or activity that is satisfying or fulfilling

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a clear understanding of the difference between award and reward, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (award or reward) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The Nobel ________ is one of the most prestigious prizes in the world.
2. I want to ________ my employees for their hard work this year.
3. The movie won an ________ for Best Picture.
4. If you do well on your exam, your teacher may ________ you with a sticker.

Answer Key:

1. Award
2. Reward
3. Award
4. Reward

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Read the following sentences and choose the correct word (award or reward) to complete the sentence:

1. She received an ________ for her volunteer work at the animal shelter.
2. The company offered a cash ________ to anyone who referred a new customer.
3. He was ________ed with a promotion for his outstanding performance at work.
4. The coach gave the team an ________ for their championship win.

Answer Key:

1. Award
2. Reward
3. Rewarded
4. Award

By practicing these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use award and reward in your writing and speech. Remember, an award is something given to recognize achievement or merit, while a reward is something given for a specific action or behavior. Keep these definitions in mind and you’ll never confuse the two words again!

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between award and reward, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Award refers to a prize or recognition given for achievement or merit, while reward refers to something given in return for a specific action or behavior.
• The use of these words can vary depending on the context and intention of the speaker or writer.
• It is important to understand the nuances of language use to communicate effectively and avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to study and practice language use, readers can improve their communication skills and enhance their ability to connect with others.