Plural of Score: Comprehensive Guide to Usage, Rules, and Common Mistakes

2. INTRODUCTION

The noun score is a fascinating and multi-faceted word in the English language. It can refer to a group of twenty, serve as a way to count points in sports or games, or even denote a written musical composition. Despite its frequent appearance in literature, conversation, and specialized contexts, the correct pluralization and usage of score can be surprisingly challenging—even for native speakers. Is it three score years or three scores years? When do we say scores of people? And what about sports or music?

Understanding these nuances is essential for English language learners, teachers, writers, editors, and anyone aiming to master English grammar. This comprehensive guide will explore the various meanings of score, lay out the rules for pluralization in all major contexts, highlight common mistakes, and provide practice exercises for mastery. By the end, you will not only know when to use score and scores, but also why—and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Read on for in-depth definitions, usage rules, exceptions, advanced topics, dozens of real-world examples, and a complete practice section with answers to solidify your understanding.

3. DEFINITION SECTION
4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN
5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES
6. EXAMPLES SECTION
7. USAGE RULES
8. COMMON MISTAKES
9. PRACTICE EXERCISES
10. ADVANCED TOPICS
11. FAQ SECTION
12. CONCLUSION

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1. What Does “Score” Mean?

Score is a noun with several distinct meanings in English:

As a group of twenty units: A “score” often means exactly twenty of something. For example, “three score” means sixty.
As a record of points: In sports or games, a “score” is the result or tally of points achieved.
As a musical composition: A “score” can refer to the written music for a composition, particularly for orchestras or ensembles.

Etymology: “Score” comes from Old Norse skor (notch, tally), referring to marks made to count. The meaning of “twenty” comes from the ancient practice of counting in groups of twenty.

**Table 1. “Score” in Different Contexts**
Context	Example	Meaning
Counting	He lived for three score years.	Sixty years (3 x 20)
Sports	The final score was 2-1.	Result of a game
Music	The conductor studied the score.	Musical composition (written form)
Indefinite Quantity	Scores of people attended.	Many, large number

3.2. Grammatical Classification of “Score”

Score is typically a countable noun in English, although some uses are more abstract or collective. It changes form in the plural, becoming scores.

**Table 2. Countable vs. Uncountable Usage of “Score”**
Form	Context	Example
Countable	Numerical, Sports, Music	Two scores were composed last year.
Uncountable (rare)	Abstract, collective	He keeps score of every detail. (idiomatic)

3.3. Function and Usage Contexts

Enumerative: Used for counting in groups of twenty (e.g., “four score and seven years”).
Collective/Indefinite: Refers to a large but unspecified number (“scores of people”).
Sports/Performance: Used for point tallies, game results (“The scores are close.”).
Music: Refers to sheet music or written compositions (“The musician read three scores.”).

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1. Basic Pluralization Rule

The regular pluralization of “score” is formed by adding -s: score → scores.

Singular: I bought a score of apples.
Plural: I bought several scores of apples.

Pronunciation Note: “Scores” is pronounced /skɔːrz/ (rhymes with “doors”).

4.2. Pluralization in Numerical Expressions

In numerical expressions referencing multiples of twenty, score remains singular after a numeral:

Correct: Three score years (not “three scores years”)
Correct: Four score and seven (not “four scores and seven”)

**Table 3. Singular vs. Plural in Numerical Expressions**
Numeral	Correct Form	Incorrect Form
One	One score	One scores
Two	Two score	Two scores
Three	Three score	Three scores
Four	Four score and seven	Four scores and seven

4.3. Pluralization in Idiomatic Phrases

In idiomatic phrases like “scores of people” or “by the score,” scores (plural) is commonly used to indicate a large, indefinite number.

Scores of birds filled the sky.
They arrived by the score.

Note: “Scores of” is always plural; “by the score” can be singular or plural depending on emphasis.

4.4. Pluralization in Specialized Contexts

Sports: Refers to multiple game results or point tallies (The scores are close.)
Music: Refers to multiple sheet music or compositions (She owns several scores by Beethoven.)

In both cases, scores is the regular plural.

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1. Quantitative Use (“Score” as Twenty)

Score is traditionally used as a unit meaning “twenty.” This usage is most common in literature, historical texts, or formal speech.

He lived for three score years. (60 years)
Four score and seven years ago… (87 years ago)

5.2. Indefinite Large Numbers (“Scores of…”)

When scores of is used, it means “many” or “a large number of.” It is more emphatic than “dozens of,” but less specific.

Scores of tourists visited the museum.
Scores of complaints were received.

This use is common in journalism and narrative writing.

5.3. Sports/Games Scores

In sports, score refers to the points or results in a game. Scores is used to reference multiple games, multiple teams, or multiple tallies.

The scores are posted online.
Both teams have high scores this season.

5.4. Musical Scores

In music, a score refers to the written notation of a musical work. The plural scores is used for multiple compositions or books of music.

She owns several scores by Mozart.
The orchestra needs to buy new scores.

5.5. Idiomatic/Colloquial Uses

“Score” appears in several idiomatic expressions:

By the score: In large numbers
Keep score: Record points or outcomes
Settle the score: Take revenge or resolve a dispute

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1. Basic Pluralization Examples

**Table 4. Singular vs. Plural Forms with Sentences**
Singular (“score”)	Plural (“scores”)
He achieved a high score in the exam.	Many students achieved high scores.
A score of birds flew overhead.	Scores of birds arrived at dawn.
The score was tied at halftime.	The final scores were announced.
She bought a new violin score.	The library has many orchestral scores.
One score equals twenty.	Three scores make sixty.

6.2. Numerical and Quantitative Examples

**Table 5. “Score” with Numerals (10 Examples)**
Numerical Expression	Sentence Example
One score	One score years ago, she moved to the city.
Two score	He lived for two score years.
Three score	Three score people attended the event.
Four score and seven	Four score and seven years ago, history was made.
Five score	They planted five score trees in the park.
Six score	Six score apples were delivered.
Seven score	Seven score sheep grazed on the hillside.
Eight score	Eight score years have passed since then.
Nine score	Nine score miles separated the cities.
Ten score	Ten score coins were minted in the reign.

6.3. Indefinite Quantity Examples

**Table 6. “Scores of…” Used with Different Nouns**
Example Phrase	Sentence Example
Scores of people	Scores of people lined up outside the store.
Scores of cars	Scores of cars were stranded by the snow.
Scores of complaints	The company received scores of complaints.
Scores of birds	Scores of birds migrated south for the winter.
Scores of emails	I found scores of emails in my inbox.
Scores of books	He has read scores of books on the subject.
Scores of athletes	Scores of athletes competed in the marathon.
Scores of volunteers	Scores of volunteers helped clean the beach.
Scores of opportunities	There are scores of opportunities in this field.
Scores of ideas	She presented scores of ideas during the meeting.

6.4. Sports and Games Examples

**Table 7. “Scores” in Sports Contexts**
Sport	Sentence Example
Soccer	The scores were tied at full-time.
Basketball	Check the scores for last night’s games.
Baseball	Final scores are displayed on the scoreboard.
Tennis	All the scores are updated online in real time.
Golf	Her scores improved each round.
Cricket	Scores from both innings are kept separately.
Swimming	The judges recorded the scores for each heat.

6.5. Musical Scores Examples

**Table 8. “Scores” in a Musical Context**
Sentence Example
She owns several scores by Beethoven.
The conductor studied the scores before rehearsal.
The library has many orchestral scores.
He collected scores from the Baroque period.
We compared scores of different symphonies.
The composer published new scores this year.
Musicians need accurate scores for performance.

6.6. Idiomatic and Colloquial Examples

They arrived by the score, eager to help.
Let’s keep score during the match.
He settled the score with his rival.
She wants to even the score after last year’s loss.
On that score, I agree with you.
He lost track of the score during the game.
They scored by the score in the contest.

6.7. Complex Usage Examples

Four score students achieved perfect scores on the test.
Scores of teams competed, but only one scored the highest score.
The composer wrote three new scores in as many weeks.
Two score years ago, scores of people gathered here to witness the event.
The game’s final scores were much higher than last year’s score.
After examining multiple scores, the conductor selected the best score for performance.
By the score, volunteers cleaned up the park, making a real difference.
He reviewed the cricket scores and then compared the musical scores for the festival.
She kept score at the match and later reviewed the scores from other games.
Eight score competitors vied for the trophy, and scores of spectators cheered them on.

7. USAGE RULES

7.1. When to Use “Score” vs. “Scores”

Score is used:

After numerals to mean multiples of twenty: three score years.
When referring to a single tally or musical work: The score was impressive.

Scores is used:

For more than one tally, game, or musical work: All the scores were published.
In indefinite quantification: Scores of people.

7.2. Agreement and Article Usage

Singular: “The score is high.” (singular verb)
Plural: “The scores are high.” (plural verb)
“A score of people” (singular group, sometimes with plural verb in informal English)
“Scores of people” (always plural verb: “Scores of people were…”)
Zero article: “He keeps score.” (idiomatic, no article)

7.3. “Scores of…” as an Indefinite Quantifier

“Scores of” acts as an indefinite quantifier meaning “many.” It is common in journalistic, formal, and semi-formal registers.

“Scores of dolphins were seen offshore.” (neutral/formal)
It adds emphasis compared to “many” or “dozens of.”

7.4. Pluralization in Fixed Phrases

Some idioms or fixed expressions require singular or plural forms:

**Table 9. Fixed Phrases – Singular vs. Plural**
Phrase	Form	Example
By the score	Singular (or plural for emphasis)	They arrived by the score.
Scores of	Plural only	Scores of people protested.
Keep score	Singular only	Who will keep score?
Settle the score	Singular only	He wants to settle the score.
Even the score	Singular only	She hopes to even the score.

7.5. Exceptions and Irregularities

In historical or archaic English, “score” may be used differently (see Section 10.1).
Some regional dialects (especially in older sources) may use “scores” after numerals, but this is not standard in modern English.

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1. Incorrect Pluralization After Numerals

Incorrect: Three scores years ago.
Correct: Three score years ago.
Rule: Always use the singular “score” after a numeral in this context.

8.2. Confusing “Score” (20) with “Scores” (Many)

Incorrect: Scores years ago, I moved here. (ambiguous; should be “score” or “three score”)
Correct: Three score years ago, I moved here.
Correct: Scores of years passed. (means “many years,” not 20, 40, 60, etc.)

8.3. Incorrect Use in Sports Contexts

Incorrect: The scores of the match was close.
Correct: The score of the match was close.
Incorrect: The score are tied.
Correct: The scores are tied.

8.4. Errors in Musical Contexts

Incorrect: She owns many score by Mozart.
Correct: She owns many scores by Mozart.
Incorrect: The scores is on the piano.
Correct: The score is on the piano.

8.5. Table 10. Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

**Table 10. Correct vs. Incorrect Examples (with Explanations)**
Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Three scores years ago	Three score years ago	Numerals use singular “score”
Scores years ago	Scores of years ago	“Scores” as an indefinite quantifier needs “of”
The scores of the match was close	The score of the match was close	One match has one score
The score are tied	The scores are tied	“Scores” is plural, so use “are”
She owns many score by Mozart	She owns many scores by Mozart	Plural needed for “many”
The scores is on the piano	The score is on the piano	Singular subject requires “is”
He has a scores of books	He has scores of books	Remove “a”; “scores of” does not take an article
One scores	One score	Singular with “one”
By the scores	By the score	Idiom uses singular (or plural for emphasis, but singular is standard)
Keep scores	Keep score	Idiom uses singular

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank

Four ____ and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth a new nation.
She bought several musical ____ for the concert.
After the match, the ____ were published in the newspaper.
He has read ____ of books on the subject.
They arrived by the ____.
I achieved a high ____ in the test.
Six ____ apples were picked today.
Who will keep ____ during the game?
The ____ is displayed on the scoreboard.
The teacher checked the students’ ____ after grading.

9.2. Error Correction

Three scores years ago, the city was founded.
He owns many score of Beethoven’s works.
The scores is tied at halftime.
The score are displayed on the wall.
She has a scores of friends in town.
By the scores, the birds filled the sky.
Who will keep scores?
He achieved the highest scores in his class.
One scores of apples were picked.
The scores of the match was close.

9.3. Identification Exercise

For each sentence, is “score” singular or plural? Is it used correctly?

Scores of people attended the rally.
Three score years is a long time.
The scores was announced at halftime.
She wrote two new scores this year.
He keeps score during every game.
They arrived by the score.
The score are tied.
Four scores and seven years ago.
The musical score is missing.
The scores of complaints surprised the manager.

9.4. Sentence Construction

Write a sentence using “score” in a numerical context (meaning twenty).
Write a sentence using “scores of” to indicate an indefinite large number.
Write a sentence using “scores” in a sports context.
Write a sentence using “scores” in a musical context.
Write a sentence using “score” in an idiomatic expression.

9.5. Table 11. Practice Exercise Answers

**Table 11. Practice Exercise Answers and Explanations**
Exercise	Answer	Explanation
9.1.1	score	Numerical use; after a numeral, use “score.”
9.1.2	scores	Multiple musical works; plural needed.
9.1.3	scores	Several results; plural.
9.1.4	scores	Indefinite quantity; “scores of.”
9.1.5	score	Idiom: “by the score.”
9.1.6	score	Singular result.
9.1.7	score	Numerical use; after numeral, use “score.”
9.1.8	score	Idiom: “keep score.”
9.1.9	score	Singular, one game.
9.1.10	scores	Multiple students’ results.
9.2.1	Three score years ago, the city was founded.	After a numeral, use “score.”
9.2.2	He owns many scores of Beethoven’s works.	Plural “scores” for “many.”
9.2.3	The score is tied at halftime.	Singular result, use “is.”
9.2.4	The scores are displayed on the wall.	Plural, use “are.”
9.2.5	She has scores of friends in town.	Remove “a”; “scores of” is correct.
9.2.6	By the score, the birds filled the sky.	Idiom: “by the score.”
9.2.7	Who will keep score?	Idiom: “keep score.”
9.2.8	He achieved the highest score in his class.	Singular, one student’s result.
9.2.9	One score of apples were picked.	Numerical “score” after “one.”
9.2.10	The score of the match was close.	Singular: one match, one score.
9.3.1	Plural. Correct.	“Scores of people”: many.
9.3.2	Singular. Correct.	Numerical: “three score years.”
9.3.3	Plural. Incorrect.	Should be “scores were announced.”
9.3.4	Plural. Correct.	Multiple musical scores.
9.3.5	Singular. Correct.	Idiom: “keep score.”
9.3.6	Singular. Correct.	Idiom: “by the score.”
9.3.7	Plural. Incorrect.	Should be “The scores are tied.”
9.3.8	Plural. Incorrect.	Should be “Four score and seven years ago.”
9.3.9	Singular. Correct.	One musical score.
9.3.10	Plural. Correct.	“Scores of complaints”: many complaints.
9.4.1	He lived for two score years.	Numerical use: “score” after a numeral.
9.4.2	Scores of fans cheered at the concert.	Indefinite quantity; “scores of.”
9.4.3	The scores were close in last night’s basketball game.	Sports context; plural for multiple games or results.
9.4.4	The library has many orchestral scores.	Music; plural for multiple works.
9.4.5	He wants to settle the score with his old rival.	Idiom: “settle the score.”

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1. “Score” in Historical and Literary Texts

The best-known example of “score” in its numerical sense is in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “Four score and seven years ago…” (meaning 87 years). This usage is now archaic but still appears in formal writing, literature, and speeches.

In Shakespeare and the King James Bible, “score” is similarly used for counting in twenties.

10.2. Pluralization in Nonstandard Varieties and Dialects

Some regional dialects or historical texts may use “scores” after numerals (e.g., “three scores years”), but this is not standard in modern English.

Always use the singular “score” after numerals in contemporary usage.

10.3. Stylistic and Register Considerations

“Score” in the sense of “twenty” is rare today and is considered archaic or formal. “Scores of” is more common in formal or semi-formal writing, while “a lot of” or “dozens of” is preferred in informal speech.

In music and sports, “score” and “scores” appear in both formal and informal registers.

10.4. Pluralization in Compound and Hyphenated Forms

Score-keeper: Plural is “score-keepers”
Score-line: Plural is “score-lines”
Compound forms follow regular pluralization rules: add -s at the end.

10.5. “Score” in Metaphorical and Figurative Language

“Score” is also used metaphorically in phrases like “on that score” (meaning “on that matter”). Pluralization is not relevant in these metaphorical uses, but awareness of context is key.

11. FAQ SECTION

What is the correct plural of “score”?
The regular plural is scores. Example: “The scores were published.”
When should I use “score” vs. “scores” after a numeral?
Use score (singular) after numerals in the sense of “twenty”: “Three score years.” Never use “scores” after numerals in this context.
Is “scores of people” correct? What does it mean?
Yes, “scores of people” is correct and means “many people” (an indefinite large number).
Can I say “three scores years”?
No. The correct form is “three score years.”
How do I use “score” in sports contexts?
“Score” is the result of a game. For multiple results, use “scores”: “The scores are close.”
Is “scores” used differently in British and American English?
No significant difference in standard usage. Both use “score” and “scores” as described in this guide.
What is the plural of “score” in music?
“Scores” is the plural. Example: “She studied several scores by Bach.”
Are there any exceptions to the pluralization rules for “score”?
Only in archaic or dialectal English, which sometimes uses “scores” after numerals. Modern standard English does not.
Why does Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address say “four score and seven years”?
Because “score” means “twenty” in this context. “Four score and seven” means 87 (4 x 20 + 7).
Can “score” be used as an uncountable noun?
Rarely, in idioms like “keep score.” Otherwise, it is usually countable.
How do I avoid common mistakes with “score” and “scores”?
Remember: use singular “score” after numerals (when meaning “twenty”), plural “scores” for multiple results or “scores of” for indefinite quantity. Review our tables and practice exercises.
What are some idiomatic expressions with “score” and how do their plurals work?
Examples: “keep score” (singular), “by the score” (usually singular), “scores of” (always plural). See Table 9 for more.

12. CONCLUSION

In summary, the word score has rich and varied meanings in English, from a group of twenty to sports tallies and musical compositions. Its pluralization follows regular rules, but special attention is needed in numerical and idiomatic contexts. Remember:

Use score (singular) after numerals for “twenty”: “Three score years.”
Use scores for multiple results, musical works, or large indefinite numbers: “Scores of people.”
Idioms and fixed phrases may require singular or plural forms—review tables for guidance.

Context is key. Distinguish between literal, idiomatic, and specialized uses to avoid common mistakes.

Review the practice exercises and consult the FAQ for further clarification. With careful attention and practice, you can master the use of “score” and “scores” in all contexts!