a respectable score

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a respectable score" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a score that is considered satisfactory or commendable in a particular context, such as tests, games, or competitions. Example: "After studying hard for weeks, I was pleased to achieve a respectable score on my final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

West Indies know this over is absolutely crucial, they can post a respectable score with some big boundaries here.

The Guardian - Sport

This energetic approach earned the challenger, then unknown, a respectable score when he took on Mr. Mochinaga in the last election, four years ago.

The New York Times

He has felt obliged to ensure that Sri Lanka reach a respectable score which might just be competitive, rather than go helter-skelter for a match-winning one.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, it won 14.7% of the vote: a respectable score, but a little down on its 1997 figure, and far below some of its opinion-poll scores in the years between.

The Economist

When it's my turn to take to the stage, at one end of the cavernous main hall, it feels as if I'm part of something – and by doing little more than standing still as a group of judges peruse my face, I achieve a respectable score in an international tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet in the first round of voting on April 21st he now has a fair chance of a notching up a respectable score of, say, 6% or 7%—nearly double the figure predicted by pollsters a month or two ago.The explanation is simple enough.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He joked about waking up every morning and checking his meta critic rating, proudly stating that The Roots maintain around an 82 on the site (a very respectable score).

Huffington Post

Both had been scoring plenty of runs for Lansdown in club cricket, and Sainsbury made 32, a highly respectable score in the match, which Somerset won by an innings.

Wikipedia

Age, it turns out, is no barrier to a more respectable score in Eurovision.

Independent

"That's a perfectly respectable score, Exeter," Paxman said at the end.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'd been placed in a mid-level, rather than entry-level, English poetry course by virtue of a misleadingly respectable score on the SAT verbal, the result of compulsive memorization of vocabulary and word-analogy lists in a Barron's test-preparation workbook.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a respectable score", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'respectable' in that situation. Is it relative to the average, a personal best, or a predefined benchmark?

Common error

Avoid using "a respectable score" when the achievement is truly outstanding. The term suggests adequacy and fairness, not exceptional performance. Opt for phrases like "an excellent score" or "a remarkable achievement" to convey superior results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a respectable score" functions as a noun phrase, where "respectable" modifies the noun "score". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a particular result or achievement, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a respectable score" is commonly used to indicate that a result or performance is satisfactory or adequate, without necessarily being exceptional. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts, as well as on wikis. While "a respectable score" conveys a positive sentiment, it is crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding its use when describing truly outstanding achievements. Alternative phrases, such as "a decent score" or "a satisfactory result", can provide similar nuances, and the choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commendable result

Replaces 'score' with 'result' and 'respectable' with 'commendable', emphasizing the praiseworthiness of the outcome.

a satisfactory mark

Substitutes 'score' with 'mark' and 'respectable' with 'satisfactory', highlighting the acceptability of the grade or evaluation.

an adequate total

Uses 'total' instead of 'score' and 'adequate' in place of 'respectable', focusing on the sufficiency of the final number.

a decent figure

Replaces 'score' with 'figure' and 'respectable' with 'decent', underscoring the fairness or appropriateness of the amount.

a reasonable outcome

Swaps 'score' for 'outcome' and 'respectable' for 'reasonable', emphasizing the logical or justifiable nature of the result.

an acceptable level

Replaces 'score' with 'level' and 'respectable' with 'acceptable', focusing on whether the achievement meets a required standard.

a fair assessment

Substitutes 'score' with 'assessment' and 'respectable' with 'fair', indicating impartiality in the evaluation.

a creditable showing

Replaces 'score' with 'showing' and 'respectable' with 'creditable', emphasizing the praiseworthiness of the performance.

a tolerable performance

Uses 'performance' instead of 'score' and 'tolerable' in place of 'respectable', highlighting the acceptability of the action.

a passable grade

Replaces 'score' with 'grade' and 'respectable' with 'passable', focusing on achieving the minimum requirement for success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a respectable score" when referring to a result that is considered satisfactory or adequate, but not necessarily outstanding. For example: "Despite the challenges, the team managed to achieve "a respectable score" on the exam."

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

You can use alternatives like "a decent score", "a satisfactory result", or "a commendable performance" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to have a respectable score?

While generally positive, the impact of "a respectable score" depends on the context. In a competitive situation, it might indicate falling short of the top position, whereas in other cases, it may represent an achievement given difficult circumstances. It's less strong than "an excellent score".

What is the difference between "a respectable score" and "a remarkable score"?

"A respectable score" indicates an adequate or satisfactory outcome, while "a remarkable score" suggests an exceptional or noteworthy achievement. The former implies meeting expectations, whereas the latter denotes exceeding them by a considerable margin.