A2 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

final score

النتيجة النهائية

Use `final score` to report or ask about the definitive end result of a competitive event.

En 15 segundos

  • The definitive result of a game after it ends.
  • Used for sports, games, and sometimes business outcomes.
  • Answers the question: Who won and by how much?

Significado

The final score is the ultimate result of a game or competition after it has completely finished. It tells you exactly who won and who lost by showing the total points each side earned.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Watching a football match

I can't believe the final score was a draw after all that effort!

I can't believe the final score was a draw after all that effort!

💭
2

Checking the news

The news anchor just announced the final score of the championship game.

The news anchor just announced the final score of the championship game.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a game

Hey, what was the final score? I had to leave early.

Hey, what was the final score? I had to leave early.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase is deeply rooted in the obsession with statistics in Western sports culture, particularly in Baseball and American Football. It has evolved into a metaphor for the ultimate outcome of any competitive situation, from political elections to corporate takeovers.

💡

The 'To' Rule

When saying the score, use 'to'. For example: 'The final score was four to two.' Don't say 'four and two'.

⚠️

Don't use for time

Even though a game has a 'final time,' we never say 'final score' to mean the time the game ended. It only refers to the points.

En 15 segundos

  • The definitive result of a game after it ends.
  • Used for sports, games, and sometimes business outcomes.
  • Answers the question: Who won and by how much?

What It Means

Think of the final score as the last word in an argument. It is the definitive number that determines the winner of a match. Whether it is football, basketball, or even a board game at home, this is the number that goes into the history books. It represents the end of the struggle and the moment of victory or defeat.

How To Use It

You use this phrase when the clock hits zero. You can ask, "What was the final score?" if you missed the game. You can also use it to describe the outcome of a debate or a high-stakes business negotiation. Usually, you follow the phrase with the numbers, like "The final score was 3 to 1."

When To Use It

Use it immediately after a sports event ends. It is perfect for casual chats at the water cooler at work. You will hear it on the news every single night. It is also great for checking in with a friend who is watching a game you are missing. If you are playing video games with your siblings, this is the number that proves you are the champion.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it while the game is still happening. That is just the "current score." Also, avoid using it for things that do not have points. You would not ask for the final score of a movie or a wedding. That would just be confusing! Unless, of course, the wedding turned into a competitive sport, which usually means a very bad day for the bride.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, sports are a massive part of daily life. People often define their entire weekend by the final score of their favorite team. In places like the US or UK, the final score is a social currency. Knowing it helps you start conversations with strangers at a pub or a bus stop. It is the ultimate objective truth in a world of opinions.

Common Variations

You might hear people say "the final tally" or simply "the final." In newspaper headlines, they might just say "The Result." However, final score remains the most common and clear way to say it. If you want to sound very casual, you can just ask, "How'd it end?"

Notas de uso

The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with 'final grade' in academic settings.

💡

The 'To' Rule

When saying the score, use 'to'. For example: 'The final score was four to two.' Don't say 'four and two'.

⚠️

Don't use for time

Even though a game has a 'final time,' we never say 'final score' to mean the time the game ended. It only refers to the points.

💬

Nil and Zero

In British English, a final score of 0 is often called 'nil' (e.g., 2-nil). In American English, it's usually just 'zero' or 'nothing'.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Watching a football match
💭

I can't believe the final score was a draw after all that effort!

I can't believe the final score was a draw after all that effort!

Used to express surprise at the end of a match.

#2 Checking the news
💼

The news anchor just announced the final score of the championship game.

The news anchor just announced the final score of the championship game.

A standard reporting context.

#3 Texting a friend about a game
😊

Hey, what was the final score? I had to leave early.

Hey, what was the final score? I had to leave early.

Casual inquiry between friends.

#4 A humorous board game night
😄

Let's ignore the final score and pretend we all won for the sake of our friendship.

Let's ignore the final score and pretend we all won for the sake of our friendship.

Using the term to joke about losing a game.

#5 In a business meeting
👔

When we look at the final score of this deal, both companies benefited.

When we look at the final score of this deal, both companies benefited.

Metaphorical use in a professional setting.

#6 Talking to a child
🤝

It doesn't matter what the final score is, as long as you had fun!

It doesn't matter what the final score is, as long as you had fun!

Encouraging tone focusing on the experience rather than the result.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.

The referee blew the whistle and the ___ was 2-0.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: final score

The 'final score' is the term used when a game ends, signaled here by the referee's whistle.

Choose the best response to the question.

Q: Who won the game? A: I'm not sure, let me check the ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: final score

To see who won, you need to check the 'final score'.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Final Score'

Informal

Talking to friends about a video game.

Final score? I crushed you!

Neutral

Standard use in daily conversation.

What was the final score of the Lakers game?

Formal

Used as a metaphor in business or journalism.

The final score of the election was a surprise to many.

Where to use Final Score

Final Score

Sports Stadium

Displayed on the giant screen.

🎲

Living Room

Settling a bet after a board game.

💼

Office

Discussing the quarterly sales results.

📺

News Broadcast

Reporting the weekend results.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Usually, no. For a test, you would say final grade or test score. Final score is almost always for competitions.

Yes, but only as a metaphor. For example, The final score of the merger was positive for all shareholders.

Score is the points at any moment. Final score is only the points at the very end of the game.

You should ask, What's the score? or What's the current score? rather than using final.

Yes, it is very common in the UK, though they might also say full-time score in football (soccer).

No, for a race you would talk about final times or finishing positions. Scores are for points, not speed.

Not at all. It is a standard, neutral term used by everyone from kids to professional journalists.

You still call it the final score. For example, The final score was a 2-2 draw.

People will understand you, but it sounds very unnatural. Stick with final score for 99% of situations.

It is singular because it refers to the collective result of the match. You say The final score was... not were.

Frases relacionadas

Box score

A detailed statistical summary of a game.

Full-time

The end of a football (soccer) match.

The bottom line

The final, most important result of a situation.

To settle the score

To get revenge or finish a long-standing argument.

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