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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
lose score
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "lose score" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a loss of points or a decrease in performance, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "After the last round, we began to lose score and fell behind in the game."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Disease Markers
The New York Times - Books
Independent
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Within this concept, those subjects that could be considered healthy by not having traditional RF such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity, but still having IFG, prehypertension, or overweight would lose score for "ideal CV health".
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Still, New York could lose scores of enormous buildings and still be New York.
News & Media
Labour sources are braced for a hammering in Scotland and for the party to lose scores of seats in the English local elections.
News & Media
Others will likely follow, and the party could lose scores of parliamentary seats in June.
News & Media
"Black Panther" doesn't roll out in North American theaters until Feb. 16, so the 18th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could lose scoring steam by next week.
News & Media
Highest losing score: 240 – Sheffield in the second round of 2001.
News & Media
The Baltimore Orioles posted Towson's losing score on their scoreboard, and thousands stood and cheered.
News & Media
But 2-1 on the second leg and 2-2 on aggregate was a losing score for Inter.
News & Media
Musicologist Dr Philip Carli accompanied Decameron Nights (1924); in lieu of the film's lost score, he incorporated pieces from the music for the play that inspired it.
News & Media
Forty-five is a losing score in a referendum, but as a percentage in a general election, it would provide a crushing victory.
News & Media
This is kind of like the basketball team with a losing score asking for the game to be decided on who had the best tattoos.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using the ambiguous phrase "lose score", clarify your meaning by specifying what kind of score is being lost (e.g., "lose points", "decrease the overall score", "drop the final score").
Common error
Avoid using "lose score" when you mean to describe a decrease in performance or a drop in points. This phrase lacks clarity and can confuse your reader. Instead, use more precise language like "decrease in points" or "drop in performance".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lose score" functions as a verb phrase where the verb "lose" attempts to quantify the noun "score." However, the phrasing is grammatically unconventional and lacks standard usage. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is not correct.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "lose score" may seem like a straightforward way to describe a reduction in points or performance, Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically incorrect and lacks standard usage. The analysis reveals that clearer alternatives like "lose points", "decrease score", or "fall behind in scoring" are preferable. Given its rarity and potential for misinterpretation, it is best to avoid "lose score" in formal writing and opt for more precise language. While instances of its usage can be found in News & Media and Science categories, those instances don't legitimize the construction, but rather show cases when ambiguous language is present.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
decrease score
Directly replaces "lose" with a synonym, maintaining the basic structure but sounding slightly more formal.
drop points
Emphasizes a reduction in accumulated points, particularly in competitive contexts.
fall behind in scoring
Indicates a decline in the rate of scoring compared to others or a previous standard.
reduce points
Highlights the action of diminishing someone's or something's total points.
incur a penalty
Focuses on receiving a deduction due to a rule infraction.
forfeit points
Suggests a loss of points due to a specific error or violation.
decline in performance
Broadly describes a decrease in overall effectiveness, not just in points.
suffer a setback
Emphasizes a temporary regression or difficulty experienced.
experience a loss
General term for undergoing a disadvantageous situation.
relinquish advantage
Indicates giving up a beneficial position or lead.
FAQs
How can I express a decrease in points or performance more clearly?
Instead of the unclear phrase "lose score", use more specific alternatives like "decrease score", "drop points", or "decline in performance" depending on the context.
What is a more grammatically sound way to say "lose score"?
Since "lose score" is not grammatically correct, consider using phrases such as "lose points", "reduce score", or describe the specific action that led to the reduction, such as "incur a penalty".
Which is correct, "lose score" or "lose points"?
"Lose points" is the correct and commonly accepted phrase to indicate a reduction in points. "Lose score" is not standard English.
When is it appropriate to use "lose score"?
The phrase "lose score" is not generally considered appropriate in formal or standard English. It is better to use more precise and commonly understood alternatives like "drop points" or "reduce score".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested