scoring points

USAGE SUMMARY

"scoring points" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to sports or activities where players compete by achieving points or a higher score than other participants. For example, "The team was winning by scoring points from every shot they took."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And obviously scoring points".

The New York Times - Sports

Ruto has been scoring points on this, too.

The New Yorker

The Heat's main problem last season was scoring points.

The New York Times - Sports

"Washington is obsessed with scoring points, not solving problems.

The New York Times

A lot of prolific marksmen make scoring points their obsession.

The Guardian - Sport

"You definitely enhance your chance of scoring points," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Wolfowitz has been scoring points by harking back to his experience in Indonesia.

The Washington Post

"I want to get back to scoring points and fighting," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

We're scoring points and not giving up a lot of points".

The New York Times - Sports

I think I'll also be more aggressive, not scoring points but getting more people involved".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But they are not scoring points--or solving deficiencies--with clients.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scoring points" in the context of sports or games, ensure it accurately reflects the process of accumulating points according to the rules. In other contexts, use it metaphorically to indicate gaining an advantage or achieving a goal.

Common error

Avoid using "scoring points" in situations where it doesn't logically connect to gaining a clear advantage or achieving a measurable outcome. Overusing the metaphor can dilute its impact and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scoring points" is that of a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of accumulating points in a game or, metaphorically, gaining an advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sport

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scoring points" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of accumulating points in a competition or, metaphorically, gaining an advantage. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Sports contexts, while also appearing in Science, Business, and general discourse. Related phrases include "gaining an advantage" and "achieving success". When using "scoring points", ensure the context aligns with the idea of achieving measurable outcomes or gaining a clear advantage. Be mindful of overusing the metaphor to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

racking up points

Similar meaning, using a more informal or colloquial tone.

gaining an advantage

Focuses on the benefit achieved rather than the specific act of accumulating points.

achieving success

Highlights the positive outcome resulting from the action.

making progress

Emphasizes the advancement towards a goal, similar to accumulating points.

getting ahead

Suggests surpassing others, akin to outscoring opponents.

gaining ground

Suggests improvement and advancement, particularly in competitive situations.

accumulating successes

Stresses the gradual addition of positive outcomes.

making headway

Focuses on forward movement and advancement in a task or project.

winning favor

Implies gaining approval or support, which can be a form of 'scoring points' in a social context.

improving one's standing

Highlights the enhancement of position or reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "scoring points" in a sentence?

You can use "scoring points" to describe accumulating points in a game, like "The basketball team was focused on scoring points". It can also be used metaphorically, as in "He thought he was scoring points with his boss by working late".

What does "scoring points" mean?

The phrase "scoring points" literally means to accumulate points in a game or competition. Figuratively, it means to gain an advantage or impress someone in a social or professional context.

What can I say instead of "scoring points"?

You can use alternatives like "gaining an advantage", "achieving success", or "making progress" depending on the context.

Is "scoring points" formal or informal?

"Scoring points" is generally considered a neutral expression. While it is common in sports contexts, its figurative usage can be appropriate in both formal and informal settings.