points up for grabs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "points up for grabs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there are opportunities or rewards available for competition or acquisition. Example: "In the final match of the season, there are several points up for grabs that could determine the champion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

There are still 18 points up for grabs.

The New York Times

"Mathematically it's not over; there are still 39 points up for grabs.

The New York Times

There are still 72 points up for grabs; with 31 we're not even safe yet".

The Guardian - Sport

The game is the first of a home-and-home series that concludes Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio: two contests in five days with six points up for grabs.

The New York Times - Sports

We said it was all about the game today and that it was another three points up for grabs, just like any other game, but that extra bit of motivation to go top of the league is something that the players recognised.

The Guardian - Sport

There's 250 Achievement Points up for grabs.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"That's why the question has been asked because it wasn't just any other game, three points up for grab and you've lost two points.

BBC

These points – and double points were up for grabs on Sunday – will help decide who will take on the USA in Bermuda.

The Guardian - Sport

Players began to fill four starting spots at CdM, leaving the point up for grabs.

Los Angeles Times

How many more times can I keep putting my life on hold, making these choices for my career, if it's not going to pay off, through no fault of our own?" She accused British Cycling of putting less experienced sprinters into competitions where Olympic qualification points were up for grabs.

The Guardian - Sport

Another 40 points are up for grabs in Monday's game between Arsenal and Newcastle.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "points up for grabs" to clearly indicate that there are opportunities or rewards available for competition or acquisition, typically in sports, games, or competitive scenarios. For clarity, specify the number of points available or the context in which they can be earned.

Common error

Avoid using "points up for grabs" in contexts where there is no element of competition or where the concept of 'points' is not relevant. This phrase is specific to scenarios where points can be earned or won.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points up for grabs" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to highlight opportunities or rewards available in a competitive scenario. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase can be used in contexts where there are opportunities or rewards available for competition or acquisition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "points up for grabs" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression indicating opportunities or rewards available in a competitive environment. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informality, making it suitable for sports commentary and general news reporting rather than formal academic or business settings. The phrase functions descriptively to highlight the competitive nature of a situation where rewards are attainable, with alternatives like "points available" or "points at stake" offering similar meanings with slightly different emphases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

points at stake

Indicates that the points are at risk and can be won or lost, adding a sense of consequence.

winnable points

Emphasizes that the points can be won, stressing the competitive aspect.

points to be won

Directly states that points can be won, emphasizing the act of winning.

contested points

Emphasizes the competition and conflict over the points.

available points

Focuses on the availability of the points rather than the competition for them.

points in contention

Similar to 'contested points', highlighting that the points are being disputed or competed for.

remaining points

Highlights that these points are left and still available.

obtainable points

Highlights the possibility of obtaining points, shifting the emphasis to acquisition.

unclaimed points

Stresses that no one has yet claimed the points, underlining the opportunity.

undecided points

Focuses on the uncertainty and the fact that the points are yet to be determined.

FAQs

How can I use "points up for grabs" in a sentence?

You can use "points up for grabs" to describe a situation where points or rewards are available to be won or earned. For example, "In the final match of the season, there are several "points up for grabs" that could determine the champion."

What does "points up for grabs" mean?

"Points up for grabs" signifies that there are opportunities or rewards that are available and can be obtained through effort or competition.

What can I say instead of "points up for grabs"?

You can use alternatives like "points available", "points at stake", or "winnable points" depending on the context.

Is "points up for grabs" formal or informal?

"Points up for grabs" is generally considered to be informal and is best suited for use in casual conversation, sports commentary, and news reports rather than formal academic writing or business communication.