cumulative score

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cumulative score" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a total score that accumulates over time, such as in games, tests, or assessments. Example: "At the end of the semester, the students' cumulative scores will determine their final grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When she took the test in October, her cumulative score jumped to 1930 from 1790.

The New York Times

GPA gives students a more precise grade by providing a cumulative score of average marks throughout a student's degree.

The Guardian

For each case a cumulative score (0 20) of total semiquantitatively assessed Aβ load in the neocortex was calculated.

Nature

It yielded two birdies and produced a cumulative score of 55 over par.

The New York Times - Sports

A predetermined number of deals are played, and the cumulative score determines the winner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A cumulative score is NOT the correct measure and is NOT sufficient for an offer of admission.

Cornell University

The fault characteristics are scored according to their significance, and the cumulative score measures the fault activity.

Russian Geology and Geophysics

Because spam filters must be careful to allow legitimate mail through, several tests are applied and a cumulative score is assigned to each message.

The New York Times - Tech

But the Rangers have lost their last three games with Messier back in the lineup by a cumulative score of 15-4.

The New York Times - Sports

The male and female gymnasts with the highest cumulative score win the gold medal and will hold the sport's most prestigious title as the all-around champion.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This subnetwork consists of 46 nodes and has a cumulative score of 70.2.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cumulative score", ensure it's clear what elements are being accumulated. Provide context on how individual scores contribute to the final total.

Common error

Avoid using "cumulative score" when a simple average or the highest single score is more relevant. A cumulative score implies a sum or aggregate, not necessarily a representative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cumulative score" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a total or aggregate value derived from adding individual scores together. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, including academics, sports, and scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cumulative score" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the aggregate result of multiple individual scores. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse fields such as science, news media, and academia, serving the purpose of quantifying and summarizing performance or impact. While alternatives like "total score" or "overall score" exist, "cumulative score" specifically emphasizes the accumulation process. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to clarify what is being accumulated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total score

This alternative offers a direct synonym, emphasizing the sum of individual scores.

aggregate score

This alternative also indicates the sum of multiple scores, often used in statistical contexts.

overall score

This emphasizes the final, comprehensive assessment, rather than the accumulation process.

combined score

This term highlights the merging of different scores into a single value.

composite score

This suggests a score made up of different components, often weighted.

accumulated points

Focuses on the accumulation aspect, commonly used in gaming or point-based systems.

final grade

This is specific to academic contexts, referring to the ultimate assessment of a student's performance.

overall result

This is a more general term that can be used when the "score" is not necessarily numerical.

grand total

Highlights the final sum, often used when emphasizing the magnitude of the total.

complete tally

This suggests a careful and thorough accounting of all scores or points.

FAQs

How is a "cumulative score" calculated?

A "cumulative score" is calculated by adding up individual scores or values over a specific period or across different categories. The exact method depends on the context, but it always involves an aggregation of multiple values.

What's the difference between "cumulative score" and "overall score"?

While both represent a final assessment, "cumulative score" emphasizes the process of accumulation, whereas "overall score" simply refers to the final result without necessarily implying a sum of individual values.

When should I use "cumulative score" instead of "average score"?

Use "cumulative score" when you want to emphasize the total impact or contribution of multiple scores. Use "average score" when you want to represent the typical or central tendency of a set of scores.

What are some alternatives to using the term "cumulative score"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "total score", "aggregate score", or "combined score". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.