equalize the score

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equalize the score" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports or games when one team or player brings their score to match that of another. Example: "With that last goal, the team was able to equalize the score, making it 2-2."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It bounced into the empty net to equalize the score.

The New York Times - Sports

France's Benjamin Pavard hit a volley against Argentina in the early knockout stage to equalize the score in the second half of the game.

Huffington Post

James Loney had a chance to equalize the score, if not put the Dodgers ahead, but grounded out with men on second and third.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Honduras had nearly equalized the score in the opening minutes of the second half when Hesler Phillips ripped one toward the top corner.

The New York Times - Sports

But when the master of Old Trafford calms down, he may see that the goal from Luka Modric that equalized the score was exquisite, and the winning goal tapped in by Cristiano Ronaldo could have been prevented either by his keeper David De Gea or his fullback Rafael.

The New York Times - Sports

By halftime, the Hokies had equalized the score at 10 10.

Wikipedia

Carlsen's positional squeeze slowly picked up speed and he equalized the score.

Huffington Post

Florida State scored first, with a field goal in the early first quarter, but Virginia Tech fought back, equalizing the score before the end of the quarter.

Wikipedia

O'Gara began this spell by equalizing the scores with the penalty awarded for Haskell's offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, for the depression vignette participants received a score from 0 to 6 according to the number of these interventions endorsed as helpful, while for the schizophrenia vignette they scored from 0 to 5. To equalize the range of scores for the two vignettes, they were then converted to percentages.

BMC Psychiatry

Instead, the ball would be placed on its own 15 — or another spot statistically demonstrated to equalize the chance of scoring first — with the outcome still determined by sudden death.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sporting event, use "equalize the score" to clearly indicate that one team has brought their score to match the other team's. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the act of leveling the playing field in terms of points.

Common error

Avoid using "equalize the score" in contexts where the concept of a 'score' doesn't apply. For situations needing balance in non-numerical aspects, opt for alternatives like "level the playing field" or "create parity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equalize the score" functions as a verbal phrase within sentences, typically acting as the main verb or part of the verb phrase. It describes the action of bringing two opposing scores to the same level. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equalize the score" is a grammatically correct expression commonly used to describe the action of bringing two competing scores to the same level, often in sports or game contexts. Ludwig confirms that this is a common and accepted phrase, although occurrences in example sentences are rare. Its function is typically to inform about a specific event. While predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad audience. Remember that alternatives such as ""level the score"" or ""tie the game"" might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level the score

Replaces "equalize" with "level", offering a more informal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

tie the game

Focuses on the outcome of the equalization, specifically resulting in a tie.

bring the score to parity

Uses a more formal term, "parity", to indicate equality in score.

draw level

Emphasizes the action of reaching the same score as the opponent.

make it all square

An idiomatic expression meaning to bring the score to a tie.

even the score

Emphasizes achieving equality in the score, but could be used in non-sport contexts to mean settling a grievance.

balance the scoresheet

Focuses on the visual representation of the score becoming balanced.

reach a stalemate

Highlights the resulting state of balance, but not necessarily in scoring. Can apply to other types of contest.

pull even

Highlights effort of getting to the same score as the opponent.

counter the opponent's score

Emphasizes the action of responding to an opponent's score to make the scores equal.

FAQs

How do you use "equalize the score" in a sentence?

You can use "equalize the score" in sentences like: "The team managed to "level the score" in the final minutes", or "His goal helped "tie the game"".

What does it mean to "equalize the score"?

To "equalize the score" means to bring the scores of two competing sides to the same level, resulting in a tie or draw.

Is it correct to say "equalize the scores" instead of "equalize the score"?

While "equalize the score" is more common, "equalize the scores" can be used if you're referring to multiple sets of scores or multiple instances of equalization within a single event.

What can I say instead of "equalize the score"?

You can use alternatives like "draw level", "bring the score to parity", or ""level the score"" depending on the context.