a score of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a score of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a large quantity of something such as a large number of people. For example, "A score of people gathered in the park to watch the fireworks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A score of writers?

The New Yorker

A score of two indicated some consideration.

The Economist

She finished with a score of 58.93.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Rubio achieves a score of 51.

The New York Times

A score of publishers rejected it.

The New Yorker

I got a score of 100.

The New York Times

He won with a score of 92.

The Guardian - Sport

She ends with a score of 50.

The Guardian - Sport

Rick Ross has a score of eighty-five; Rick Santorum has a score of eighty-two; Rick Perry has a score of sixty-six.

The New Yorker

Underpinning all this is a score of concise originality.

The Guardian - Music

Rick Astley has a score of forty-seven.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a score of" to denote approximately twenty items or individuals. It's a more stylistic choice compared to simply stating 'twenty'.

Common error

Avoid using "a score of" when referring to precise numbers or quantities that are not close to twenty. Use exact figures when accuracy is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a score of" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating an approximate number. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is often used to represent a quantity close to twenty, offering a more stylistic alternative to direct numerical expressions. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, from counting writers to publishers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a score of" is a quantifier indicating approximately twenty, suitable for various contexts with a slightly informal tone. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. When writing, use "a score of" to add style to your descriptions but avoid it when precise numbers are required. Alternatives include "approximately twenty" or "around twenty", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember that "scores of" implies a much larger, indefinite quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately twenty

Replaces the idiomatic "score" with a direct numerical approximation, providing a more precise but less stylistic alternative.

around twenty

Similar to 'approximately twenty', this phrase offers a numerical estimate, suitable for contexts where exactness isn't critical.

about twenty

This option gives a slightly less formal feel compared to 'approximately twenty', while still conveying a numerical approximation.

a group of twenty

Emphasizes the collective aspect of a quantity, making it useful when referring to people or items considered as a unit.

roughly twenty

This alternative provides a less formal approximation, suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing.

a number around twenty

This phrase is a more verbose way of expressing an approximate quantity, adding a layer of generality.

in the vicinity of twenty

This is a more formal and indirect way of expressing an approximate number, suitable for formal writing or speech.

a decent amount

Replaces the numerical reference with a general term for quantity, shifting the focus from a specific number to a sufficient quantity.

a considerable quantity

Offers a more formal and emphatic way to indicate a significant amount, useful when highlighting the magnitude of something.

a good few

This idiom expresses 'more than a few' using a more informal tone, suitable when you want to understate an amount.

FAQs

How is "a score of" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a score of" is used to indicate a quantity of approximately twenty. For example, "A score of people attended the event."

What phrases can I use instead of "a score of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "approximately twenty", "around twenty", or "about twenty" to express a similar quantity.

Is "a score of" formal or informal?

"A score of" is generally considered a slightly more stylistic or literary way to say 'approximately twenty'. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but more direct numerical expressions might be preferred in highly precise or technical writing.

Is it correct to say "scores of" instead of "a score of"?

Yes, "scores of" implies a large, indefinite number, much greater than twenty. It suggests 'many' or 'numerous', while "a score of" refers specifically to around twenty.