drop a point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop a point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, discussions, or evaluations where a score or rating is being reduced or lost. Example: "Due to a foul, the player will drop a point from their score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

She did not drop a point on her opening two service games against Serna.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike Celtic, they did not drop a point, winning all 18 games and scoring 78 goals in the process.

The Guardian - Sport

Inter, yet to drop a point, had founded their own fast start on rugged defending and a muscular midfield core of Felipe Melo, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Fredy Guarín.

The Guardian - Sport

Federer did not drop a point on his first six service games, then lost the first-set tie breaker and started making unforced errors in bunches.

The New York Times - Sports

"First, Chelsea wouldn't sell to Tottenham in any way or form, as they think that we are title contenders," said the Portuguese, whose side are yet to drop a point in the Premier League this season.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, Berdych did not drop a point on serve until game six, but when he did, it proved fatal as a terrible backhand error and a double-fault helped hand his opponent the first break.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Williams drops a point on her serve!

The Guardian - Sport

His batting average dropped a point to.395.

The New York Times - Sports

The minor parties also dropped a point to 12%.

The Guardian

He was fouled and made both free throws, but Kansas dropped a point there.

The New York Times

That's eight and three-quarters games without dropping a point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop a point" when you specifically want to convey the idea of losing a single unit of measurement or scoring. For broader context, consider alternatives like "lose ground" or "fall behind".

Common error

Avoid using "drop a point" when referring to a significant decline or a general loss of position. The phrase is best suited for small, incremental reductions, not major setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop a point" functions as a verb phrase acting on a noun. It typically describes the action of losing a single unit, often in the context of scores, rankings, or measurements. Ludwig confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop a point" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe losing a single unit in a scoring system or measurement. As Ludwig highlights, it's widely used in news, sports reporting, and general discussions. When writing, remember that this phrase is best suited for small, incremental reductions and avoid using it in formal, business or academic writing unless the context specifically calls for it. Alternatives like "lose a point", "deduct a point", or ""decline by a point"" can offer more formal or precise options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose a point

Direct synonym, focusing on the act of losing a single point.

forfeit a point

Implies losing a point due to a rule violation or error.

deduct a point

Focuses on the action of removing a point from a total.

relinquish a point

Suggests voluntarily giving up a point.

concede a point

Highlights admitting defeat or yielding a point in a debate.

yield a point

Similar to concede, implying giving way on a specific issue.

sacrifice a point

Suggests giving up a point for a strategic advantage.

miss out on a point

Emphasizes the failure to obtain a point.

fall behind a point

Highlights the loss of progress or being overtaken.

decline by a point

Indicates a reduction in a numerical value or score.

FAQs

What does "drop a point" mean?

The phrase "drop a point" generally means to lose a single unit in a scoring system, ranking, or measurement. It suggests a slight decline or setback in a particular area.

How can I use "drop a point" in a sentence?

You might say, "The team's ranking will "decline by a point" if they lose this match", or "Her batting average "fell a point" after striking out twice tonight".

Which is correct, "drop a point" or "lose a point"?

Both "drop a point" and "lose a point" are correct, but they can have slightly different connotations. "Drop a point" often implies a small or unexpected loss, while "lose a point" is a more general term.

Are there any formal alternatives to "drop a point"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "deduct a point" or "relinquish a point" to convey a more precise or official tone.