forfeit points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forfeit points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as games, competitions, or assessments where points are lost due to a rule violation or failure to meet certain criteria. Example: "If you arrive late to the exam, you will forfeit points from your total score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gus Poyet had not yet replaced Paolo Di Canio when Ji made his illegal starts but he has sympathy with those who argue his side should forfeit points.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Amputate the empty collar, clear the sharpener's burrs of the forfeit point, and set course for the future abundances that are your due.

The New Yorker

At sanctioned tournaments, competitors adhere to a strict code of decorum or risk forfeiting points.

The New York Times

Renault were spared the indignity of forfeiting points earned last year and possibly having to pay back the $50m that came with finishing fourth in the series, penalties that might have hastened a departure from the sport, something the Renault board has been reviewing constantly during the past 18 months.

The Guardian - Sport

Bowyer gets to keep the 195-point victory, but he must forfeit 150 points, dropping him to 12th, from 2nd, in the standings.

The New York Times - Sports

McLaren are told they will forfeit all points won from the race for the constructors' championship.

The Guardian

Play was suspended before referees called off the game, with both teams having to forfeit the points.

Independent

It is calculated by the system used to seed competitors in club and tournament play, where games are weighted, so that you forfeit more points for losing to a weaker player, and win more for beating someone who outranks you.

The New Yorker

That Edwards dropped three spots after forfeiting 25 points is a sign of the ferocity of the competition.

The New York Times

As well as forfeiting the points from its first two wins in the best of 17 against Emirates Team New Zealand the jury also imposed fines totalling $250,000.

Independent

Ferrer stopped play mid-rally to challenge a line call but the Hawk-Eye replay showed the ball caught the line and he had to forfeit the point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about competitive scenarios, use "forfeit points" to clearly indicate a loss of points due to a violation or penalty. It provides a direct and unambiguous description of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "forfeit points" when points are simply not earned through regular gameplay. "Forfeit" implies a penalty or rule infraction, not merely a lack of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forfeit points" functions as a verb phrase where "forfeit" is the verb, indicating the action of losing something as a penalty, and "points" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

8.333333333333332%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8.333333333333332%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "forfeit points" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the loss of points as a penalty or consequence. According to Ludwig AI, it is indeed appropriate for written English. The expression is frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki sources. While alternatives such as "lose points" or "surrender points" exist, "forfeit points" clearly communicates the reason for the point reduction being a violation or infraction. When writing, ensure that "forfeit points" is used accurately to reflect that a specific rule violation or penalty is the cause of the point loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose points

Direct synonym focusing on the action of losing points.

surrender points

Emphasizes the act of giving up points, often due to a penalty or rule violation.

relinquish points

Formal alternative, highlighting the voluntary or involuntary giving up of points.

be penalized points

Focuses on the act of receiving a penalty resulting in point reduction.

suffer a point deduction

Highlights the consequence of having points taken away.

sacrifice points

Suggests a strategic choice to give up points for a greater advantage.

write off points

Treat points as a loss or consider them irrecoverable.

miss out on points

Focuses on failing to gain points that were potentially attainable.

cede points

Implies yielding or formally surrendering points to an opponent.

forgo points

Consciously decide not to pursue or claim available points.

FAQs

What does it mean to "forfeit points"?

To "forfeit points" means to lose points as a penalty, typically due to a rule violation or a specific condition being met. It's not simply about failing to earn points, but rather losing them due to a specific infraction.

When is it appropriate to use "forfeit points" in a sentence?

Use "forfeit points" when describing a scenario where a person or team loses points because of breaking a rule, violating a standard, or some other specific penalty. For example, "The team had to "forfeit points" after receiving a technical foul."

What are some alternatives to "forfeit points"?

Alternatives to "forfeit points" include "lose points", "surrender points", or "be penalized points", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "forfeit points" and "lose points"?

While both phrases indicate a reduction in points, "forfeit points" typically implies a loss due to a penalty or violation. "Lose points", on the other hand, can refer to simply not earning points or having them deducted for any reason. "Forfeit" suggests a specific cause for the point reduction.