minus points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minus points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a deduction of points, often in the context of grading or scoring systems. Example: "The student received minus points for not following the assignment guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Minus points.

The Guardian - Music

Full marks for not using artificial nasties; minus points for excessive packaging.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Possible minus points for starting the very un-cool, but very funny Bed Jumping phenomenon.

The Guardian - Travel

Ridiculous gripe though it may be, it had to go in the minus points.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My own verdict: the minus points It's brand new, so it's not comprehensive yet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Minus points if you're unlucky enough to see Will Mellor from Two Pints.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The only minus point: because they open at 5pm, they will only screen the 8pm matches.

The Guardian - Travel

Biases are defined as the glucose laboratory value minus point-of-care value.

Critical Care

For Republicans it was plus or minus 4.7 points, independents 6.5 points and 4.2 points for Democrats.

Huffington Post

Shorten's net satisfaction rating is up one point to minus 24 points.

The Guardian

The ZEW Center for European Economic Research, based in Mannheim, Germany, said its economic-sentiment index rose to minus 3.5 points, from minus 5.8 points in February.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minus points", ensure the context clearly indicates a scoring system where negative values are possible. It's often used in situations involving penalties or deductions.

Common error

Avoid using "minus points" in contexts where negative scores are not standard or understood. Ensure the audience recognizes the possibility of a score below zero.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minus points" functions as a noun phrase indicating a deduction or negative value within a scoring or evaluation system. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts where scores can fall below zero, typically due to penalties or errors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minus points" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a deduction or a negative score. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific publications. While its register leans towards neutral and even informal, its meaning is consistent: a reduction in value. When writing, remember that contexts involving scoring systems and potential deductions are ideal for employing "minus points", while it may be less appropriate in scenarios where negative values aren't conventionally used. Alternatives like "point deduction" or "deducted points" can provide a more formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point deduction

Focuses on the act of deducting a point, rather than the state of having "minus points".

deducted points

Emphasizes the action of subtracting points, typically after an error or infraction.

points off

An informal way to say points are being taken away.

points subtracted

Similar to "deducted points", but uses a passive voice.

loss of points

Highlights the consequence of losing points due to a mistake or penalty.

score reduction

Indicates a lowering of the total score, not necessarily involving negative values.

reduced score

States that the score has been decreased, rather than focusing on a specific negative score.

penalty points

Specifically refers to points deducted as a form of punishment.

negative score

More generally refers to a score that is below zero.

demerits

Implies a formal system of negative points for misconduct or poor performance.

FAQs

How do I use "minus points" in a sentence?

You can use "minus points" to indicate a deduction in a scoring system. For example, "The team received "minus points" for unsportsmanlike conduct."

What can I say instead of "minus points"?

Alternatives include "point deduction", "deducted points", or "points off", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "minus points" or should I say "negative points"?

Both "minus points" and "negative points" are acceptable, but "minus points" is more commonly used in informal contexts, particularly when discussing deductions in a game or activity. "Negative points" is more formal.

What's the difference between "minus points" and "penalty points"?

"Penalty points" specifically refer to points deducted as a form of punishment or penalty for a rule violation. While "minus points" can be used more broadly to describe any deduction, "penalty points" always imply a disciplinary action.