for ten points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for ten points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as quizzes, games, or competitions where points are awarded for correct answers or actions. Example: "If you can answer this question correctly, you will earn for ten points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Click on it for ten points.

The New Yorker

Let's say you need to travel from A to B. First, do the cab calculation: an available taxi is good for ten points, but an available taxi with its windows rolled down means you lose fifteen points, so what does that equal?

The New Yorker

You could buy a convertible at par for ten points down as security.

Forbes

This record would be broken in 1976 by Darryl Sittler, who scored six goals and four assists, for ten points.

Wikipedia

People got into teams of four or five, paid $10 to enter, and were given a list of 100 tasks they had to do—like drop their tray in the lunch room and fake cry for ten points, spank the physics teacher for 15 points, have a psychotic breakdown in class and get sent to the school nurse for 25 points, etc., etc.—and get photo or video evidence of everything.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Cowboys settle for three points.

The New York Times

Stegman bingos with RESHINE for eighty points.

Columbia University

Swimming requirement, plus four physical education courses for eight points.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Meller goes first, with JOLTY for thirty points.

Columbia University

He went 2 for 11 for seven points.

The Guardian - Sport

Trevor Ariza and P.J. Tucker combined for nine points in Game 1.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for ten points" when clearly indicating the point value assigned to a specific action or answer in a game, quiz, or competition. Ensure the context makes it clear what action or answer earns those points.

Common error

Avoid using "for ten points" in situations where the point value is irrelevant or not clearly defined. It's best used when the scoring system is explicitly stated or understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for ten points" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, specifying the value or reward associated with a particular action or answer. This function is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for ten points" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to indicate the point value assigned to an action or answer, typically in a game or quiz setting. Ludwig AI indicates that it can be categorized as a phrase. Its usage is relatively rare, with primary contexts being news, media, and wiki-based content. While its register leans towards informal, it is often used in casual or competitive settings. Alternatives include "worth ten points" and "valued at ten points". When using the phrase, ensure clarity in the scoring system to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worth ten points

Replaces "for" with "worth", emphasizing the value associated with the points.

valued at ten points

Uses "valued at" to highlight the assigned value of ten points.

ten points are awarded

Shifts the focus to the awarding of points, making it more passive.

earns you ten points

Focuses on the action that results in gaining the points.

gives you ten points

Similar to "earns you", but emphasizes the act of giving the points.

a reward of ten points

Uses "a reward of" to specify the points as a reward.

score ten points

Highlights the scoring aspect of gaining points.

grants ten points

Implies a more formal or official awarding of points.

ten points if correct

Adds a condition (correctness) for receiving the points.

attains ten points

Suggests effort or achievement in gaining the points.

FAQs

How can I use "for ten points" in a sentence?

You can use "for ten points" to indicate the value of something in a game or quiz. For example, "Answering this question correctly earns you "for ten points"".

What can I say instead of "for ten points"?

Alternatives include "worth ten points", "valued at ten points", or simply stating "ten points are awarded" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "for ten points" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "for ten points" is generally more suited for informal contexts like quizzes, games, or casual discussions. In formal writing, consider alternatives that convey the value or scoring system more explicitly.

What's the difference between "for ten points" and "worth ten points"?

"For ten points" indicates that something will earn you ten points, while "worth ten points" describes the inherent value or assigned score of something. The difference is subtle, but it's about emphasizing the earning versus the value.