win a point

USAGE SUMMARY

"win a point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when referring to scoring in a game or competition, such as "The team won a point in the basketball tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't win a point!" she said.

The New Yorker

It is very tough to win a point against him".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's tough to win a point out here," said McDowell.

The Guardian - Sport

You cannot win a point if you do not put the ball in play.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every time she wanted to win a point, just an ace".

The New York Times

She swept the first game with Stephens failing to win a point.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he ran down a couple of balls during a rally to win a point.

The New York Times - Sports

This after teaming up with Woods to win a point on Saturday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

And is it true that every time you win a point you get a SNORT?

The Guardian - Music

But when Raymond served for the set, she failed to win a point, making four errors.

The New York Times - Sports

Maccabi are yet to win a point and have conceded 11 goals in their four games.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "win a point" in contexts where you want to emphasize the competitive aspect of gaining a point, particularly in sports or games. For a more formal tone, consider "earn a point" or "secure a point".

Common error

Avoid using "score a point" and "win a point" interchangeably in all contexts. "Score a point" simply means to gain a point, while "win a point" implies overcoming an opponent or challenge to gain that point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "win a point" functions as a verb phrase with a noun object. It describes the action of successfully gaining a point in a game, competition, or other point-based activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "win a point" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of successfully gaining a point in a competitive setting. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it carries a neutral tone and implies an achievement through effort or skill. While alternatives like "score a point", "earn a point", and "gain a point" exist, "win a point" specifically emphasizes the competitive aspect of gaining that advantage. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure the right nuance is conveyed, remembering it's about triumph, not just participation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

score a point

Replaces "win" with "score", emphasizing the act of gaining a point.

earn a point

Emphasizes the effort or merit involved in gaining a point.

gain a point

Focuses on the acquisition of the point.

secure a point

Highlights the effort to protect or maintain the point once achieved.

capture a point

Suggests a more active or aggressive way of winning the point.

take a point

Similar to capture, implying a direct action to get the point.

snatch a point

Implies a quick or unexpected winning of a point.

chalk up a point

An idiomatic expression for adding a point to the score.

register a point

Focuses on the formal recording of the point.

add to the score

Broadly refers to increasing the score, which includes winning a point.

FAQs

How can I use "win a point" in a sentence?

You can use "win a point" in sentences like, "The tennis player strategically served to "win a point" against their opponent" or "The team needed to "win a point" to secure their victory".

What are some alternatives to "win a point"?

Alternatives include "score a point", "earn a point", or "gain a point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "win a point" or "score a point"?

"Win a point" emphasizes the effort and competition involved in gaining a point. "Score a point" is a more general term for simply gaining a point, without necessarily implying a struggle or competition.

What is the difference between "win a point" and "earn a point"?

"Win a point" focuses on achieving the point, often in a competitive setting. "Earn a point" emphasizes that the point was gained through effort, skill, or merit.