Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say tennis scores in English. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned tennis spectator, understanding the proper terminology for tennis scores is essential. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing tennis scores, providing you with numerous tips and examples along the way. Although we will focus primarily on standard international tennis scoring, we’ll also touch on some regional variations, if necessary. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Expressing Tennis Scores
When it comes to formal ways of expressing tennis scores, it’s important to adhere to the traditional terminology used in international tennis tournaments. Below, we explore the various stages of scoring:
1. Love
The term “love” is used to indicate a score of zero (0) in tennis. For example, if the game begins with a player’s serve and no points have been scored yet, you would say, “Love – Love.”
2. Points
Once the game is underway, players start accumulating points. Here’s how to express these points:
- 15 – To indicate a score of one (1) point for a player, say, “15.”
- 30 – For two (2) points, say, “30.”
- 40 – When a player scores three (3) points, say, “40.”
3. Feeding Time
The expression “feeding time” exists as an alternative to the number “40” during scoring in tennis. It is not as commonly used but is worth mentioning. Some players or announcers may say, “Feeding time” instead of “40” to represent three (3) points.
4. Deuce
When both players reach a score of 40 (or feeding time), it’s referred to as “deuce.” This signifies a tie in the game, requiring at least two more points in favor of a player to win the game. For example, “Deuce – 40.”
5. Advantage
If a player wins a point following a deuce, they gain “advantage.” This means they are only one point away from winning the game. You would say, for instance, “Advantage – Player A.” However, if the opposing player also scores a point, it goes back to deuce.
6. Game
Finally, when a player wins a game, you simply say, “Game – Player A” or “Player A wins the game.”
Informal Ways of Expressing Tennis Scores
While formal scoring is essential in professional tennis settings, informal expressions are commonly used among friends or during casual matches. Here are some informal ways to convey tennis scores:
1. Love
Similar to the formal scoring, “love” is often used to indicate a score of zero (0). So, saying “Love – Love” remains consistent in both formal and informal contexts.
2. One through Seven
In informal settings, players often use numbers one through seven (1-7) to represent points successfully won. Each player starts at zero and progresses by +1 point with each winning score. For example, if Player A scores a point, it becomes “1 – Love,” and if both players reach three (3) points, it may be expressed as “3 all” or “3-3.”
3. “Advantage” or “Ad”
To indicate advantage in informal settings, you can simply say “advantage” or even shorten it to “ad.” For instance, “Advantage – Player A” or “Ad – Player A.”
4. Winner Takes the Game
Instead of saying “Game – Player A,” some informal games end by declaring that the winner takes the game. So, you can say, “Player A takes the game.”
Regional Variations
Although international tennis tournaments primarily use standard scoring, some regional variations persist. Here, we mention a couple:
Australian and New Zealand Variation
In Australia and New Zealand, the term “duck” or “duck egg” is used instead of “love” to express a score of zero (0). So, you would say, “Duck – Duck” instead of “Love – Love.”
French Variation
In France, tennis scoring can include the use of “30-all” instead of “deuce” when players reach a 40-all tie. However, it’s important to note that this variation is not commonly used in international tournaments, but you may come across it during French matches.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you confidently express tennis scores in English:
Tips:
- Practice saying scores out loud to become familiar with the terminology.
- Pay attention to the context and setting to determine whether a formal or informal expression is appropriate.
- Remember that “deuce” represents a tie at 40 or feeding time.
- Use “advantage” to indicate a player’s one-point lead, following a deuce.
- Listen to professional tennis commentators to enhance your vocabulary and pronunciation.
Examples:
“Love – 15.”
“30 – 30.”
“Deuce – Advantage – Player A.”
“Advantage – Player B.”
“Game – Player A.”
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say tennis scores in English, both formally and informally, you can confidently follow any tennis match or engage in friendly games without any confusion. Remember to practice, listen to professionals, and enjoy the game of tennis to the fullest! Happy scoring!
