I didn't do them for accolades vs Praise

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

I didn't do them for accolades

Top 5,000 (fairly common)

Praise

Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Most common: Praise
 I didn't do them for accoladesPraise
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //aˈkælədeɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈækəˌleɪdz//🇬🇧 /["/preɪz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/preɪz/"]/
MeaningI didn't do them for praise or awards.To say good things about someone or something.
ExampleI didn't do them for accolades; I just wanted to help.The teacher gave her praise for the fantastic project she submitted.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 5,000 (fairly common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B2
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsdo something for accolades, seek accolades, receive accolades, win accolades, not do for accoladesconsiderable, effusive, extravagant, be full of, be fulsome in, be gushing in, beyond praise, in praise of, praise for, a chorus of praise, a paean of praise, have nothing but praise for somebody/​something, considerable, effusive, extravagant, be full of, be fulsome in, be gushing in, beyond praise, in praise of, praise for, a chorus of praise, a paean of praise, have nothing but praise for somebody/​something
Antonyms-criticize, disparage, belittle
Common mistakesConfused with 'do them for rewards' meaning something different., Using 'accolades' in inappropriate contexts where simpler words like 'praise' are better., Mix-up with the phrase 'I do them for accolades', which changes the meaning.Confused with 'raise'; remember they have different meanings., Using as a noun instead of a verb; it's typically a verb., Saying 'praise to' instead of just 'praise someone/something'.
Usage notesUsed in contexts where actions are motivated by reasons other than seeking recognition. Appropriate in informal conversations or reflections.Used in various contexts, from formal situations like awards to casual compliments. Avoid in sarcastic or negative contexts.

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I didn't do them for accolades
Praise

Frequently asked questions: I didn't do them for accolades vs Praise

What's the difference between I didn't do them for accolades and Praise?

I didn't do them for accolades: I didn't do them for praise or awards. Praise: To say good things about someone or something.

Which is more common: I didn't do them for accolades and Praise?

Praise is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

I didn't do them for accolades: I didn't do them for accolades; I just wanted to help. Praise: The teacher gave her praise for the fantastic project she submitted.

Can I use I didn't do them for accolades and Praise interchangeably?

Not always. I didn't do them for accolades and Praise are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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