Cool MateScore vs That's a strike
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Score
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
That's a strike
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: ScoreMost common: Score
| Score | That's a strike | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/skɔː(r)/","/skɔːz/","/skɔːd/","/ˈskɔːrɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/skɔːr/","/skɔːrz/","/skɔːrd/","/ˈskɔːrɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ə straɪk//🇺🇸 //ðæts ə straɪk// |
| Meaning | A number of points earned in a game or test. | A strike means hitting something or getting a good result. |
| Example | She scored the highest in her math exam. | When the bowler knocked down all the pins, the crowd cheered, 'That's a strike!' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | once, twice, etc., try to, be able to, manage to, against, for, come close to scoring, have a/the chance to score, have an/the opportunity to score, highly, well, consistently | get a strike, call a strike, that's a strike |
| Antonyms | loss, failure | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'scored' (past tense)., Using 'score' with an improper object (should be 'score a goal' not 'score a team')., Mistakenly using 'score' as a noun and verb interchangeably without context. | Confusing with 'that's a hit' which is more general., Using 'strike' in a non-sporting context when it's not appropriate., Overusing the expression in non-competitive scenarios. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used when discussing sports, games, or tests. May be less appropriate in formal contexts like academic writing. | Used in casual conversation, often in sports or games. Not typically used in formal settings. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Score vs That's a strike
What's the difference between Score and That's a strike?
Score: A number of points earned in a game or test. That's a strike: A strike means hitting something or getting a good result.
Which is more formal: Score and That's a strike?
Score is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Score and That's a strike?
Score is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Score: She scored the highest in her math exam. That's a strike: When the bowler knocked down all the pins, the crowd cheered, 'That's a strike!'
Can I use Score and That's a strike interchangeably?
Not always. Score and That's a strike are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.