reward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a benefit or compensation given in recognition of effort, achievement, or service. Example: "The company decided to offer a reward for employees who exceed their sales targets this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobel, a wealthy Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite, provided few directions for how to select winners, except that the prize committees should reward those who "have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind".

The Guardian

States and territories will also lose access to reward payments for reducing waiting times under the national partnership agreement on improving public hospital services, saving the federal government $201m over three years.

The Guardian

That's the reward".

The New York Times - Food

The generation who grew up surrounded by acknowledgements that they had dignity, bravery and the capacity for greatness were, unsurprisingly, nifty voters - the first chance they got, they elected a government which promised to reward their sacrifices with a welfare state.

The Guardian

A narrow win for Bayern Munich on the night – and a comfortable Barcelona victory overall – was just reward for Luis Enrique's team, who were again wonderfully supple and incisive in attack when it mattered.

The Guardian - Sport

But voters seem keen to reward it for its ambition alone.

The Guardian - Film

It was just reward for Inverness, who dominated at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

HSBC said Flint's reward would be capped at 44% of his fixed pay, which was about £2.43m last year.

The Guardian - Business

The result was illegal, of course, but it was also something of great value, produced cooperatively, and built in naked opposition to the expectations of in-kind reward that supposedly governed human behaviour in the capitalist age.

The Guardian - Books

Despite RSPB appeals on the web and in local press, with an offer of a £1,000 reward, no one in the area has yet identified the perpetrators.

The Guardian

The charity Crimestoppers is offering up to £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shootings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "reward" when choosing it over alternatives like "incentive" or "compensation". "Reward" often carries a stronger sense of merit and deservedness.

Common error

Avoid using "reward" in situations where a negative outcome or punishment is expected. "Reward" implies a positive consequence, so using it in the context of negative actions can be confusing and grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The word "reward" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it represents something given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement. As a verb, it signifies the act of bestowing something as a result of these qualities. As noted by Ludwig AI, the term is used in a positive context to give compensations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

17%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Opinion

6%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reward" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting something given in recognition of merit or the act of giving such a thing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English and the analysis reveals its common occurrence in news, sports, and business contexts. It serves the purpose of acknowledging and incentivizing positive behavior across different communicative registers. When you want to refer to it, you can use "compensation", "recompense", "prize", or "benefit". Ensure that its use aligns with positive outcomes and appropriate contexts to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compensation

Focuses on the financial aspect of receiving something in return for services or effort.

recompense

Implies making amends or giving something to compensate for loss or suffering.

prize

Highlights the competitive aspect of earning something valuable.

benefit

Emphasizes the advantageous outcome or positive result gained from an action.

payment

Specifically refers to the act of giving money for goods or services.

return

Indicates receiving something back as a result of an investment or action.

acknowledgment

Focuses on the recognition or appreciation received for one's efforts.

tribute

Suggests giving something to honor or show respect for someone's achievements.

premium

Refers to an additional payment or bonus given as an incentive.

perk

Implies a benefit or advantage received in addition to regular pay or compensation.

FAQs

How can I use "reward" in a sentence?

You can use "reward" as a noun, meaning something given in return for service, effort, or achievement (e.g., "The company offered a generous reward for information"). You can also use it as a verb, meaning to give something to someone in recognition of their actions (e.g., "They decided to reward the employee's dedication").

What are some synonyms for "reward"?

Alternatives to "reward" include "compensation", "recompense", "prize", or "benefit", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "rewarding experience"?

Yes, "rewarding experience" is a common and correct usage. It describes an experience that provides personal satisfaction or benefit. For example, volunteering at a local shelter can be a "rewarding experience".

What's the difference between "reward" and "incentive"?

"Reward" typically refers to something given after an action or achievement, as a form of recognition. "Incentive" refers to something that motivates or encourages a particular behavior, often offered in advance to stimulate desired actions. They're similar, but an "incentive" is forward-looking, whereas a "reward" is backward-looking.