A child wins a contest. "The trophy was awarded to me," they say. Another child asks for permission. "The school granted me extra time for my project," they say. Two words. Both mean "given something special." But one is about prizes and honors. One is about permission or requests.
Children are awarded and granted things every day. Understanding the difference helps them describe how they receive special recognition or permission.
This article helps families explore these special-giving phrases. Your child will learn when something is awarded and when something is granted.
What Do These Expressions Mean?
"Awarded to" means "given as a prize, honor, or recognition for achievement." The word suggests winning or earning. It says "you did something great, so you receive this."
For a child, think of a spelling bee. You spell all the words correctly. You win a medal. The medal is awarded to you. You earned it.
"Granted to" means "given as a permission, a right, or a request that was asked for." The word suggests approval. It says "you asked for this, and the answer is yes."
For a child, think of asking for more time on a test. The teacher says yes. Extra time is granted to you. Your request was approved.
These two expressions seem similar because both mean "given something special."
But one is about prizes for achievement. One is about permission for requests.
What's the Difference?
The main difference lies in what is being given. "Awarded to" gives prizes and honors. "Granted to" gives permission, rights, or approved requests.
One is about winning. One is about asking.
"Awarded to" sounds like a ceremony or competition. You earn the award through effort, skill, or luck. The award recognizes your achievement.
"Granted to" sounds like a request was made and approved. You asked for something. Someone in authority said yes. The grant fulfills your request.
Another difference involves the receiver's action. To be awarded, you must achieve something. To be granted, you must ask for something.
Also, awards are often public. Grants can be private.
So remember: awarded to = given as a prize for achievement. granted to = given as permission for a request.
When Do We Use Each One?
Use "awarded to" for prizes, medals, trophies, and honors. Use it for contests. Use it for competitions. Use it for recognition.
For example, a child wins first place in a science fair. "A blue ribbon was awarded to her." The ribbon recognized her achievement.
Use "awarded to" for scholarships. "The scholarship was awarded to the student with the best grades."
Use "granted to" for permission and requests. Use it for extra time. Use it for special privileges. Use it for rights.
For example, a child asks to leave class early for a doctor's appointment. The teacher says yes. "Permission was granted to the student to leave early." The request was approved.
Use "granted to" for wishes or favors. "Her wish was granted."
Also use "granted to" for legal rights. "The right to vote was granted to citizens."
Remember: prizes and honors = "awarded to." permission and requests = "granted to."
Example Sentences for Kids
Here are simple sentences for "awarded to":
The gold medal was awarded to the fastest swimmer.
(Prize for achievement.)
A certificate was awarded to every student who completed the reading challenge.
(Honor for effort.)
The trophy was awarded to the winning team.
(Prize for winning.)
Here are simple sentences for "granted to":
Extra recess was granted to the class for good behavior.
(Permission given after request or deserving.)
Her wish to visit the aquarium was granted by her parents.
(A request was approved.)
The school granted permission to the club to hold a bake sale.
(A formal request was approved.)
Notice how "awarded to" is for prizes. "Granted to" is for permission or approved requests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people say "granted to" for prizes. This sounds like the winner asked for the prize. A child wins a trophy. You say "the trophy was granted to him."
Incorrect: Trophy. "Granted."
Correct: "The trophy was awarded to him."
Prizes use "awarded."
Another mistake: using "awarded to" for permission. This sounds like permission is a prize. A teacher gives extra time. You say "extra time was awarded to the student."
Incorrect: Extra time. "Awarded."
Correct: "Extra time was granted to the student."
Permission uses "granted."
A third mistake: forgetting that "grant" can also mean a sum of money for a project. "The scientist received a grant for her research." That is a different kind of "grant" (a noun). Teach your child the difference between a grant (money) and to grant (to give permission).
Easy Memory Tips
Here is a fun trick for kids. Think of a trophy and a key.
"Awarded to" = a trophy. You win a race. You get a trophy. The trophy is for winning. Awards are for achievements.
"Granted to" = a key. You ask to open a door. Someone gives you the key. The key grants you access. Grants are for permission.
Another memory tip: look at the first letters. "Awarded" starts with A like "Achievement." "Granted" starts with G like "Go ahead" (permission to go).
Draw a simple picture. Draw a trophy on a podium next to "awarded to." Draw a key opening a door next to "granted to." The images help children feel the difference.
Also try this question: "Is this a prize for winning or permission for a request?" If prize, say "awarded to." If permission, say "granted to."
Quick Practice Time
Try these easy exercises with your child. Fill in the blank with "awarded" or "granted."
The championship trophy was ________________ to the soccer team.
Her request for a library pass was ________________ by the teacher.
A scholarship was ________________ to the student with the highest grades.
The wish to stay up late was ________________ to the child on his birthday.
Answers:
Awarded (trophy for winning)
Granted (permission for a request)
Awarded (scholarship for achievement)
Granted (permission for a request/wish)
Now practice using both phrases at home. When your child wins or earns something, say "awarded to." When your child gets permission for a request, say "granted to." Your child will learn the difference between a trophy for winning and a key for permission.
Wrap-up
Use "awarded to" for prizes, medals, trophies, honors, and scholarships given for achievement or winning. Use "granted to" for permission, rights, and approved requests that someone asked for. Both give something special, but one hands out a trophy while one hands over a key.