Common Mistakes : Award

 noun

BAD: The insurance company has offered an award to anyone who can provide information about the theft

GOOD: The insurance company has offered a reward to anyone who can provide information about the theft

award = (1) a prize, certificate, or medal that is given for doing something very well

.The award for this year’s best actor went to Harry Cohen

award = (2) a sum of money that someone wins in a court of law

.Each survivor of the disaster received an award of $20,000

reward = (1) something that you are given by someone who is pleased by what you have done

.As a reward for eating all her dinner, she was given an ice cream

reward = (2) a sum of money that someone promises to pay to the person who provides useful information, usually in connection with a crime that has been committed or something that has been lost

A reward of $5,000 has been offered for information leading to the recovery of the necklace