know the score

USAGE SUMMARY

"know the score" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have a good understanding of a situation or to be informed about the facts or details of a particular matter. Example: "Before making any decisions about investing in the stock market, it's important to know the score and research the company's financial history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You know the score.

The New York Times

They all know the score.

The New York Times - Sports

They know the score.

The New York Times

"Blacks know the score.

The Guardian

The fans really do know the score.

The New York Times

Australian women know the score.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Managers usually know the score.

The Guardian - Sport

"I know the score," Rodriguez said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm hardcore and I know the score.

The Guardian

GC: (tenderly) I know the score, but I won't say.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You know the score: plucked guitar, strings, piano, voice soaring into falsetto whimpering on about how "I'm so far away".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know the score" when you want to convey that someone is well-informed about the current state of affairs, especially regarding potential consequences or hidden realities.

Common error

Avoid using "know the score" when you simply mean someone knows the numerical score of a game; the idiom refers to understanding the underlying situation, not literal scores.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know the score" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, indicating a comprehensive understanding of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and common usage. Examples show it used to express awareness of consequences and underlying realities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

25%

General Conversation

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Books

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "know the score" is a common idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone understands the true situation, including any unspoken rules or potential consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and its wide applicability. While generally appropriate for neutral contexts, its informal nature suggests caution in formal or scientific writing. As Ludwig's examples show, it's frequently found in News & Media and Sports, reflecting its relevance in understanding real-world events and competitive environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand the situation

This alternative focuses on comprehending the overall circumstances.

be aware of the facts

This highlights the knowledge of specific details.

grasp the reality

This alternative emphasizes a firm understanding of the true state of affairs.

comprehend the details

This suggests a thorough understanding of the specifics.

see the big picture

This highlights the understanding of the overall context.

be in the know

This implies having access to inside information.

have the inside scoop

This suggests possessing exclusive knowledge.

understand the game

This implies familiarity with the rules and strategies.

recognize the truth

This highlights the ability to discern what is accurate.

be wise to the ways

This implies knowledge of how things work in practice.

FAQs

How can I use "know the score" in a sentence?

You can use "know the score" to indicate that someone is aware of the true situation, such as, "He's been in the business long enough to "know the score"."

What's a less common way to say "know the score"?

Alternatives to "know the score" include phrases like "be aware of the facts", or "understand the situation", although these might not carry the same idiomatic weight.

Is it appropriate to use "know the score" in formal writing?

While "know the score" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more direct and professional language, such as "understand the circumstances" or "be fully informed".

What does it mean to "know the score"?

To "know the score" means to understand the true facts or reality of a situation, often implying an understanding of unspoken rules or potential consequences. It suggests a level of insight beyond the surface level.