loses marks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loses marks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic contexts to indicate that a student or participant will receive a lower score or grade due to mistakes or omissions in their work. Example: "If you fail to cite your sources properly, you will lose marks on your assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

China loses marks because of a weak financial system.

The Economist

Dell, however, scores well in this regard and on recycling, but loses marks for not having phased out PVC and BFRs yet, though it has set a deadline for doing so.Perhaps the biggest surprise is the poor rating of Apple.

The Economist

But digging into past misdeeds and sorting out Ghana's finances could yet stir danger.In this section Model country loses marks Israeli settlements and the Palestinian uprising Jabs for babies in hot poor places Trouble, trouble ReprintsThe Rawlings regime began as a populist radical movement set on stamping out corruption and imposing strong central control.

The Economist

Opposition members of parliament allege that the arms deal, worth some 50 billion rand ($6 billion) all told, was marred by backhanders.In this section Trouble, trouble Model country loses marks Israeli settlements and the Palestinian uprising Jabs for babies in hot poor places ReprintsThe government's response has been to stall, bluster and accuse its accusers of racism.

The Economist

Eventually, the vaccines are tucked away in a kerosene-powered fridge electricity comes only fitfully to Caia.In this section Model country loses marks Israeli settlements and the Palestinian uprising Jabs for babies in hot poor places Trouble, trouble ReprintsGiven such problems, it is no wonder that so many children round the world are not immunised.

The Economist

"And what they saw was their expansion on every hill-top .In thill-top .InModel counthislosectionks Israeli settleModel and the Palestinian uprising Jabs for babies in hot poor placountryublosesrouble ReprintsThus, when the Oslo accords were engulfed by the flamarksf the Israelia, the firing line wasettlementsr the settlements.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Even by having a comma in the wrong place you risk losing marks".

The Guardian

Chinese businesses can score highly on their environmental contribution but lose marks on human rights.

The Guardian

I completed it in the hotel but it was a rush and my referencing looked terrible and I lost marks.

The Guardian

The Knicks are 9-6 againsteamsms with records of.500 or better and just 8-6 against clubs with losing marks.

The New York Times - Sports

I prefer to just note that if any undergraduate or graduate student in the UK wrote this in an exam, they would lose marks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loses marks" in academic writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the deduction. Be specific about the criteria that were not met to warrant the loss of marks.

Common error

Avoid using "loses marks" in informal contexts where the concept of formal grading or scoring is absent. Ensure that the situation warrants a structured evaluation process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loses marks" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a deduction or reduction in a score or grade. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English. It is often used in academic or evaluative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "loses marks" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes a deduction in points, primarily in evaluative or academic contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is most common in News & Media, Wiki and Science, with alternative phrases such as "deducts points" or "reduces score" providing more formal options. To avoid the scenario described by this phrase, it's essential to adhere to guidelines, cite sources appropriately, and proofread thoroughly. Overall, a solid understanding of its usage can improve clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deducts points

This alternative directly replaces "loses marks" with a synonymous action and object, maintaining a high degree of interchangeability.

penalizes

This alternative uses a verb that implies the act of imposing a penalty, which is similar to losing marks.

reduces score

This phrase directly expresses a reduction in the overall score, similar to losing marks.

takes off points

This alternative is an idiomatic expression for deducting points, similar in meaning to "loses marks".

lowers grade

This alternative shifts the focus to the grade received, implying a decrease due to lost marks.

suffers a penalty

This expresses the consequence of an action, resulting in a loss similar to losing marks.

is marked down

This implies that the evaluation resulted in a reduction of marks due to errors or omissions.

receives a lower score

This alternative describes the outcome of an evaluation, indicating a reduced score due to errors or omissions.

fails to gain full credit

This alternative focuses on the failure to achieve the highest possible score, indirectly indicating a loss of marks.

does not achieve maximum points

This alternative describes the situation where the maximum points are not awarded.

FAQs

How can I avoid "losing marks" in academic writing?

To avoid "losing marks", ensure that you follow all instructions carefully, cite your sources properly, and proofread your work for errors in grammar and spelling. Pay attention to the grading rubric and address all requirements thoroughly.

What is a more formal way to say "loses marks"?

A more formal alternative to "loses marks" is "deducts points" or "reduces score". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "loses marks"?

The phrase "loses marks" is appropriate in contexts where a formal evaluation or grading system is in place, such as in academic assignments, competitions, or performance reviews. It indicates a deduction in the overall score due to errors, omissions, or failure to meet specific criteria.

What's the difference between "loses marks" and "is penalized"?

"Loses marks" specifically refers to the deduction of points in a graded assignment or evaluation. "Is penalized", however, is broader and can refer to any form of punishment or negative consequence for an action or omission. While they can be used interchangeably in some contexts, "is penalized" can apply to situations beyond grading or scoring.