What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scratch
Example
The cat scratched the sofa with its claws. [scratch: verb]
Example
I have a scratch on my arm from the thorny bush. [scratch: noun]
score
Example
He used a knife to score the surface of the bread dough. [score: verb]
Example
The final score of the basketball game was 85-78. [score: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scratch is more commonly used than score in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. However, score is more commonly used in specific contexts, such as sports or games.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scratch and score?
Both scratch and score can be used in formal and informal contexts, but score may be more appropriate in formal settings due to its positive connotations of success and achievement.