a high score

USAGE SUMMARY

"a high score" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a numerical value that reflects achievement or success, such as in a game or test. Example: "The student received a high score on her final exam, showcasing her hard work and dedication throughout the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four years' tuition, sitting there like a high score.

The New York Times - Magazine

A high score in this case is worse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That just adds up to a high score.

The New York Times - Sports

A high score therefore conveys limited information about performance.

Harvard Business Review

He waved me over once he set a high score.

The Washington Post

You want to get a high score".

TechCrunch

Not if you want a high score.

Huffington Post

Getting a high score on a test is good, right?

Vice

A high score carries weight in the admissions process.

HuffPost

It was a high score battle against my own able-bodied ghost.

Vice

If you get a high score, you do combat, a middling score is combat support.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a high score" in the context of games or tests, ensure it's clear what constitutes "high" within that specific context. For example, specify if it's relative to other players or based on a predefined scale.

Common error

Be aware that a "high score" doesn't always indicate a positive outcome. In some contexts, such as in certain psychological assessments, "a high score" can indicate a negative trait or condition. Always clarify the meaning based on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high score" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes an achievement or a significant numerical value, often associated with success in tests, games, or evaluations. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in indicating positive outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a high score" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that typically denotes success or achievement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is frequently found in Science and News & Media contexts, and has a neutral register suitable for both informal and formal communication. While generally positive, it's important to consider the specific context, as "a high score" can sometimes indicate a negative outcome, such as in certain medical assessments. When writing, be mindful of the intended meaning and ensure it aligns with the context in which the phrase is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent mark

Replaces score with mark and uses 'excellent' instead of 'high', emphasizing the quality of the achievement.

a top grade

Substitutes score with grade, commonly used in academic contexts, highlighting the level of achievement.

an impressive result

Replaces score with result and 'high' with 'impressive', focusing on the outcome being noteworthy.

a winning total

Implies the score is sufficient to win a competition, adding a competitive aspect.

a superior performance

Shifts the focus from the numerical score to the quality of the action that generated the score.

a remarkable achievement

Highlights the accomplishment aspect of getting a high score, emphasizing the effort and skill involved.

a great outcome

Focuses on the positive consequence of an action, rather than the specific score itself.

a favorable assessment

Used in contexts where scoring involves judgment or evaluation, like in assessments or reviews.

a successful attempt

Emphasizes the successful completion of a task, where the high score represents that success.

a noteworthy figure

Focuses on the numerical aspect of the score, implying that the number is significant or important.

FAQs

How can I use "a high score" in a sentence?

You can use "a high score" to describe an achievement in various contexts. For example: "She achieved a high score on the exam", or "He set a high score in the video game tournament".

What can I say instead of "a high score"?

You can use alternatives like "an excellent mark", "a top grade", or "an impressive result" depending on the context.

In what situations might "a high score" not be desirable?

In some medical or psychological assessments, "a high score" can indicate a negative condition. For instance, a high score on a stress assessment may indicate high levels of stress.

What's the difference between "a high score" and "a good result"?

"A high score" typically refers to a numerical achievement, while "a good result" is a more general term for a positive outcome that may not necessarily be quantified numerically.