I didn't do them for accolades vs Recognition

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

I didn't do them for accolades

Top 5,000 (fairly common)

Recognition

Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Most common: Recognition
 I didn't do them for accoladesRecognition
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //aˈkælədeɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈækəˌleɪdz//🇬🇧 /["/ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃn/"]/
MeaningI didn't do them for praise or awards.When you know someone or something again after seeing or hearing it.
ExampleI didn't do them for accolades; I just wanted to help.She received recognition for her outstanding work on the project.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 5,000 (fairly common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level-B2
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsdo something for accolades, seek accolades, receive accolades, win accolades, not do for accoladesimmediate, instant, early, flicker, sign, show, avoid, allow, dawn, software, system, technology, beyond (all) recognition, out of (all) recognition, without recognition, recognition in somebody’s eyes, full, special, appropriate, achieve, attain, earn somebody, come, in recognition of, without recognition, recognition as, a lack of recognition, recognition of the importance of something, recognition of the need for something, full, special, appropriate, achieve, attain, earn somebody, come, in recognition of, without recognition, recognition as, a lack of recognition, recognition of the importance of something, recognition of the need for something
Antonyms-disregard, neglect, ignorance
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.'Recognition' is often confused with 'recognize', which is the verb form., Learners sometimes use 'recognition' improperly as if it were a verb., Inappropriate use in informal contexts, as it can sound too formal.
Usage notesUsed in contexts where actions are motivated by reasons other than seeking recognition. Appropriate in informal conversations or reflections.Use 'recognition' when discussing acknowledgment of achievements or identities. It is appropriate in both academic and everyday contexts but may sound overly formal in casual conversations.

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I didn't do them for accolades

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

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

I didn't do them for accolades: I didn't do them for praise or awards. Recognition: When you know someone or something again after seeing or hearing it.

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

Recognition 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. Recognition: She received recognition for her outstanding work on the project.

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

Not always. I didn't do them for accolades and Recognition 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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