reward for + action
Showing the reason for a reward
Use reward for to say why someone receives a reward.
She received a reward for finding the missing dog
How to use “reward” with prepositions
Reward commonly takes for when giving a reason or purpose. Of reward is limited to formal expressions such as “a sense of reward” or “the promise of reward.”
Quick answer
Which is correct: “of reward” or “for reward”?
For reward is used in specific contexts such as acting in exchange for payment or benefit: “He worked for reward.” Of reward is uncommon on its own but appears in phrases where reward is the object of another noun, such as “a feeling of reward.”
They offered cash for reward after the rescue.
She had a strong sense of reward after finishing the project.
The thief acted for reward, not out of loyalty.
She had a strong sense of reward after finishing the project.
The thief acted for reward, not out of loyalty.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
for reward
Acting in exchange for benefit
This formal expression means doing something in return for money or advantage.
The witness refused to lie for reward
sense of reward
Describing a feeling of satisfaction
Of reward can follow another noun in a descriptive phrase.
Volunteering gave him a sense of reward
promise of reward
Referring to an offered benefit
Of reward is natural after nouns such as promise, hope, or expectation.
The workers stayed because of the promise of reward
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
reward for
They gave her a reward for her honesty.
the reason someone receives a reward
for reward
He did not want to testify for reward.
in exchange for money or benefit
of reward
She felt a sense of reward after teaching.
used after another noun in a descriptive phrase
reward to
The company offered a reward to the finder.
the person who receives the reward
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using “of reward” as a general replacement for “reward for”
English normally uses reward for to explain the reason for the reward.
✕ They gave him a reward of helping the team. ✓ They gave him a reward for helping the team.Confusing “for reward” with “for a reward”
For reward is formal and means in exchange for benefit. For a reward means in order to get a specific reward.
✕ She competed for reward in the contest. ✓ She competed for a reward in the contest.Leaving out the object after “reward for”
Reward for is usually followed by a noun or -ing form.
✕ He got a reward for. ✓ He got a reward for reporting the error.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. She received a reward ___ returning the lost wallet.
2. The spy refused to work ___ reward.
3. Volunteering gave him a sense ___ reward.
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Frequently asked questions
Is “for reward” old-fashioned?
It is formal and less common in everyday speech, but it is still correct in legal or serious contexts.
Can I say “reward of” before a noun?
Usually no. English normally uses reward for something, not reward of something.
What is the difference between “reward for” and “reward to”?
Reward for explains the reason, while reward to identifies the receiver.
Related preposition guides
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