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Prepositions before nouns

How to use prepositions with “score”

Different meanings of “score” take different prepositions. The correct choice depends on whether you mean points, music, results, or cause.

Quick answer

Common combinations with “score”

Use “score of” for a number or result, “score for” for a team or purpose, “score with” in expressions such as “settle a score with,” and “score to” mainly in music or formal sports reporting. “Score by” usually introduces the amount of difference in a game.

The final score of the match was 3–1.
She wrote the score for the film.
They won by a score of 5–2.
He still has a score to settle with his former partner.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
score of + number

Result or quantity

Use “score of” to state points or results.

The game ended with a score of 2–0.
2
score for + team or purpose

Music or benefit

Use “score for” for musical compositions or something supporting a side.

She composed the score for the documentary.
3
by a score of + number

Winning margin

Use this phrase in sports reporting.

The visitors won by a score of 4–3.
4
score to settle with + person

Unresolved conflict

This idiom means a remaining grievance or conflict.

He has a score to settle with the company.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
score of
The score of the test was disappointing.
result, number, or rating
score with
She has a score to settle with him.
used in an idiomatic conflict expression
score to
The score to the opera was revised.
music belonging to a production
score by
They won by a score of 6–1.
shows the numerical margin
score for
He wrote the score for the play.
music created for something

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “score to” for test results

Test and game results usually take “of.”

✕ a score to 90 points ✓ a score of 90 points

Using “by score of” without an article

The phrase normally includes “a.”

✕ They won by score of 3–0. ✓ They won by a score of 3–0.

Using “score with” for ordinary results

“Score with” is usually idiomatic or linked to reactions.

✕ The score with the match was 2–1. ✓ The score of the match was 2–1.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The team won by ___ score of 5–4.
2. She composed the score ___ the new ballet.
3. The match ended with a score ___ 1–1.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “score of” mean?

It usually refers to a result, number, or rating.

When do we use “score for”?

It is common with music written for films, plays, or performances.

Is “score to settle with” an idiom?

Yes. It means someone still has an unresolved grievance or conflict.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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