What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scoring
Example
The judges are scoring the performances based on technique, creativity, and execution. [scoring: verb]
Example
The team is leading by a score of 3-1. [score: noun]
Example
He scored the paper with a sharp blade to create a decorative border. [scored: past tense]
tallying
Example
I am tallying the results of the quiz to see who got the highest score. [tallying: present participle]
Example
The poll workers are tallying the votes to determine the winner. [tallying: gerund]
Example
She is tallying the inventory to make sure everything is accounted for. [tallying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tallying is more commonly used than scoring in everyday language. Tallying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scoring is more specific and often used in academic or sports settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scoring and tallying?
While scoring is typically associated with a formal and structured tone, tallying is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various settings.