scores of

USAGE SUMMARY

"scores of" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
Example: Scores of students lined up to receive their diplomas.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The scores of games.

The New Yorker

This killed scores of people.

The Economist

We did scores of them.

The New Yorker

Scores of people were detained.

Independent

Scores of people were arrested.

The New York Times

Scores of millions are killed.

The Economist

Scores of homes were destroyed.

The New York Times

Scores of passengers were injured.

The New York Times

He missed scores of returns.

The New York Times

Scores of casualties were reported.

The Economist

Scores of Santas dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scores of" to convey a sense of a large, indefinite number, typically more than twenty but less than a hundred. It adds a touch of informality and emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "scores of" when you have an exact count. It's best suited for situations where you want to indicate a general large quantity without being precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scores of" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a large but indefinite number. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid phrase used to describe quantity without being precise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scores of" is a common phrase used to indicate a large, indefinite number, typically implying more than twenty but less than a hundred. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered a valid expression. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to emphasize quantity without requiring precision. While versatile, avoid using "scores of" when exact numbers are available or in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "dozens of" or "numerous" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dozens of

Specifies a quantity in multiples of twelve, similar to but slightly more precise than "scores of".

a multitude of

Suggests a very large and often overwhelming number.

a great number of

A more formal and direct way of expressing a large quantity.

numerous

Implies a large number, often in a more formal context than "scores of".

a large quantity of

A descriptive alternative that emphasizes the size of the amount.

many

A more general and less emphatic way to indicate a large quantity.

plenty of

Indicates an ample or sufficient quantity, sometimes with a connotation of abundance.

hundreds of

Indicates a significantly larger number; more specific than "scores of".

a good deal of

Emphasizes the substantial amount, often used for uncountable nouns but can apply to countable ones.

quite a few

Suggests a noticeable but not necessarily overwhelming number.

FAQs

How can I use "scores of" in a sentence?

Use "scores of" to indicate a large, unspecified number. For example, "Scores of people attended the concert", suggests many people were at the concert without specifying the exact number.

What phrases are similar to "scores of"?

Alternatives include "dozens of", "many", or "numerous". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "scores of" or "dozens of"?

"Dozens of" implies groups of twelve, while "scores of" suggests groups of twenty. Use "dozens of" when the number is closer to a multiple of 12, and "scores of" when it's closer to a multiple of 20, or when you want a less precise quantity.

When should I avoid using the phrase "scores of"?

Avoid using "scores of" in formal or highly technical writing where precision is important. In such cases, use more specific numbers or quantities.