a reward for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reward for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has received something as a result of their actions or behavior. For example, "The teacher gave a reward for her hard work on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a reward for success.

The New York Times - Sports

It looks like a reward for failure.

The Guardian

Their mother offered a reward for it.

The New Yorker

"This judgment is a reward for Karadžić.

The Guardian

It was a reward for England's obstinacy.

Independent

(He is offering a reward for their return).

The New York Times - Arts

This is not a reward for the Castro government.

The New York Times

"We've all been using food as a reward for years".

The New York Times

"It's a reward for performance with risk attached".

The Guardian

Publishing isn't a reward for effort; it's a business.

The Guardian - Books

There's a reward for up to $2,000".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reward for", ensure the connection between the action and the reward is clear. This helps the reader understand the motivation or consequence being described.

Common error

Avoid using "reward with" when "reward for" is intended. "A reward for" indicates the reason for the reward, while "reward with" indicates what the reward consists of. For example, "She received a reward for her bravery" (reason) vs. "She was rewarded with a medal" (what she received).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reward for" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reward for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the analysis reveals its function in expressing reasons or justifications for receiving something positive. It appears most commonly in news and media, but is also present across science, wiki, and more formal business contexts. Related phrases such as "a prize for" or "a payment for" offer slightly different nuances depending on the intended meaning. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in the connection between action and reward, and avoid confusion with "reward with". This comprehensive guide provides a solid understanding of its usage and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prize for

Replaces "reward" with "prize", suggesting a more competitive or contest-based context.

a recompense for

Uses a more formal term, "recompense", implying compensation for loss or suffering.

a payment for

Substitutes "reward" with "payment", indicating a more transactional exchange.

a compensation for

Replaces "reward" with "compensation", often used in legal or insurance contexts to denote restitution.

a benefit from

Shifts the focus to the positive outcome or advantage gained as a result of something.

a return for

Emphasizes the concept of something given back in exchange for something else.

an acknowledgment of

Highlights the recognition or validation received for an action or achievement, instead of a tangible reward.

a bonus for

Indicates an extra benefit or addition given on top of regular compensation.

a merit for

Highlights the action or behavior deemed worthy of praise or something good.

a gratuity for

Implies a voluntary payment or tip given for a service.

FAQs

How can I use "a reward for" in a sentence?

You can use "a reward for" to show that something is given because of a specific action or quality. For example, "The scholarship was a reward for her academic achievements."

What is a good alternative to "a reward for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a prize for", "a payment for", or "a recompense for". Each carries a slightly different connotation.

Is it correct to say "reward for" without the article "a"?

While "reward for" might be understood in some contexts, it's generally more grammatically correct and idiomatic to use "a reward for" when referring to a specific instance of a reward.

What's the difference between "a reward for" and "to reward"?

"A reward for" is a noun phrase indicating something received, while "to reward" is a verb describing the act of giving a reward. For example, "The bonus was a reward for his hard work" versus "The company decided to reward him with a promotion."