accumulate points

USAGE SUMMARY

"accumulate points" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to collect or gather points over time. Example: In this game, players can accumulate points by completing challenges and winning competitions. The player with the most accumulated points at the end wins the grand prize.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Once they do, they accumulate points toward song downloads.

The New York Times

At meets, competitors accumulate points to qualify for the world finals.

The New York Times - Travel

Melbourne were not allowed to accumulate points for the remainder of 2010.

The Guardian - Sport

Kelly's quick-fire offense means more snaps for Vick and therefore more opportunities to accumulate points.

The Guardian - Sport

Players accumulate points as the legislators they have chosen go about their business on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

Together, they accumulate points in competitions that take place during the year and a half before the Games.

The New Yorker

But they now accumulate points for each element -- jumps, spins and footwork -- that they perform on the ice.

The New York Times - Sports

Teachers who order from the club usually accumulate points that are good toward additional books and other products.

The New York Times

Hilby will not exclude entrants who miss the Tuesday deadline; they will just miss four chances to accumulate points.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The opportunity to donate your accumulated points to charity?

The New York Times - Tech

The team with the most accumulated points wins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accumulate points" to describe a system where users receive payment, gift or a reward for various actions performed, or for their performance on a particular sport etc. For example: "Students accumulate points from several sources. The total number of points determines the grade."

Common error

Avoid implying that "accumulating points" is the same as using or redeeming them. Make it clear that accumulating is the process of gaining, while a separate action is needed to spend the points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accumulate points" functions as a verb phrase, where "accumulate" is the main verb and "points" is the direct object. This phrase typically describes the action of gathering or collecting points, often in a game, competition, or reward system, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accumulate points" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the process of gathering or earning points, especially in games, loyalty programs, or competitions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "earn points" or "collect points" exist, "accumulate points" emphasizes a gradual gathering over time. When using the phrase, clarity is key: be sure to distinguish the act of accumulating from the act of spending or redeeming the points and clearly mention what the users need to do in order to receive the rewards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather points

Uses a different verb, "gather", to convey the same meaning of collecting points.

earn points

Replaces "accumulate" with "earn", focusing on the effort involved in gaining points.

collect points

Substitutes "accumulate" with "collect", emphasizing the act of bringing points together.

rack up points

Uses the idiomatic phrase "rack up", implying a rapid accumulation of points.

build up points

Emphasizes a gradual increase in points over time.

gain points

Uses "gain" as a synonym for "accumulate", focusing on the acquisition of points.

secure points

Highlights the effort to ensure the points are obtained.

acquire points

Replaces "accumulate" with "acquire", suggesting a more formal acquisition of points.

amass points

Uses "amass" to suggest gathering a large quantity of points.

hoard points

Implies keeping the points after earning them.

FAQs

How can I use "accumulate points" in a sentence?

You can use "accumulate points" to describe how someone earns rewards or scores in a game, competition, or loyalty program. For example: "Players "accumulate points" by completing challenges."

What is a good alternative to "accumulate points"?

Alternatives include "earn points", "collect points", or "gather points". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "accumulate points" or "earn points"?

Both "accumulate points" and "earn points" are correct and widely used. "Accumulate" suggests a gradual gathering over time, while "earn" emphasizes the effort or action required to gain the points.

What is the difference between "accumulate points" and "have points"?

"Accumulate points" refers to the process of gaining or collecting points, while "have points" simply indicates the current possession of a certain number of points. You "accumulate points" over time, and then you "have points" as a result.