In 15 Seconds
- The final grades received after completing an academic examination.
- Commonly used in school, university, and official application contexts.
- Often associated with a specific 'Results Day' in many countries.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the final marks or grades you receive after finishing a big test. It is the official answer telling you if you passed or failed.
Key Examples
3 of 6Anxious waiting
I'm so nervous about my exam results coming out tomorrow.
I am worried about my test scores being released tomorrow.
Texting a friend
Did you get your exam results yet? I passed!
Have you received your scores? I succeeded!
Formal application
Please attach your final exam results to the application form.
Include your final grades with your application.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, 'Results Day' is a national event covered by the media. It marks the transition from high school to university and is often celebrated with parties or special discounts at restaurants. The phrase carries a weight of anticipation and life-changing potential.
The 'Results Day' ritual
In the UK, students often go to school in person to pick up an envelope. It's a huge cultural bonding moment!
Don't say 'Exam Scores'
While 'test scores' is common in the US, 'exam results' is the preferred collocation in most other English-speaking regions.
In 15 Seconds
- The final grades received after completing an academic examination.
- Commonly used in school, university, and official application contexts.
- Often associated with a specific 'Results Day' in many countries.
What It Means
Exam results are the outcome of your hard work in school. They show your final score for a specific subject. It is the moment of truth for every student. You might get a letter like A or a number like 90%. It tells the world how well you knew the material.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about the waiting period or the outcome. You can wait for, get, receive, or check your exam results. It usually functions as a plural noun. Even if you only took one test, people often say results. It sounds more official and complete that way.
When To Use It
Use it during the stressful weeks after a big final test. Use it when talking to parents about your progress. It is perfect for professional settings like university applications. You can also use it when texting friends to compare scores. It is the standard term for any formal academic evaluation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, daily classroom activities. For a quick five-minute check, use the word quiz. Avoid using it for medical tests; say test results instead. If you are playing a sport, you just say the score. Don't use it for a job interview outcome either. That is just a decision or feedback.
Cultural Background
In the UK and many other places, Results Day is a huge event. It is a specific day in August when everyone gets their grades. It is a mix of high drama, tears, and celebrations. News crews even go to schools to film students opening envelopes. It is a major milestone in a young person's life.
Common Variations
You might hear people say test scores in the United States. In Australia or the UK, they might just say my marks. Some people call them grades, but exam results sounds more final. If you did really well, you might say you got top marks. If you failed, you might say you didn't get the results you wanted.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and fits almost any situation involving school or certifications. Just remember that in British English, it is the standard term, while Americans might prefer 'grades'.
The 'Results Day' ritual
In the UK, students often go to school in person to pick up an envelope. It's a huge cultural bonding moment!
Don't say 'Exam Scores'
While 'test scores' is common in the US, 'exam results' is the preferred collocation in most other English-speaking regions.
Singular vs Plural
Even if you are talking about one subject (like Math), we almost always say `results` in the plural.
Examples
6I'm so nervous about my exam results coming out tomorrow.
I am worried about my test scores being released tomorrow.
Shows the common feeling of anxiety before the grades arrive.
Did you get your exam results yet? I passed!
Have you received your scores? I succeeded!
A casual way to check in with a classmate.
Please attach your final exam results to the application form.
Include your final grades with your application.
Used in a professional or administrative instruction.
My exam results were so bad, even the paper looked sad.
My scores were terrible.
Using humor to deflect from a disappointing grade.
We are going out for dinner to celebrate your great exam results!
We are eating out because your grades were excellent.
Associates the phrase with a positive reward.
The board will release the medical exam results in three weeks.
The organization will publish the test scores in three weeks.
Applies to adult professional exams, not just school.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about school grades.
I stayed up all night waiting for my ___ results to be posted online.
We use `exam results` specifically for academic or professional testing outcomes.
Which verb is most commonly used with this phrase?
I finally ___ my exam results this morning!
You `receive` or `get` results; you don't 'make' or 'do' them.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Exam Results'
Talking to friends
How were your results?
General conversation
I'm waiting for my exam results.
Official documents
The candidate's exam results are pending.
Where you'll hear 'Exam Results'
University Admissions
Submitting grades
Family Dinner
Sharing good news
The News
National pass rates
Doctor's Office
Wait! Use 'test results' here instead
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI stayed up all night waiting for my ___ results to be posted online.
We use `exam results` specifically for academic or professional testing outcomes.
I finally ___ my exam results this morning!
You `receive` or `get` results; you don't 'make' or 'do' them.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but test results is often used for medical things. For school, exam results sounds more academic.
Not really. It sounds a bit too serious for a small quiz. Just say quiz grade or mark.
It is the specific day of the year when all students in a country receive their final grades at the same time.
They understand it, but they are more likely to say final grades or test scores.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or in a formal letter to a college.
You can say 'I got great exam results' or 'I'm happy with my results'.
Usually, people just say 'I passed my driving test.' We don't typically call it an exam result.
You can say 'I'm disappointed with my exam results' or 'My results weren't what I hoped for'.
We almost always use the plural results because an exam usually has many parts or covers many subjects.
No, for a job, you would say the outcome or the decision. Exam results is only for tests.
Related Phrases
Final grades
The last marks given at the end of a school term.
Pass mark
The minimum score needed to succeed in an exam.
Academic transcript
An official document listing all your exam results.
Top of the class
The person who got the best exam results.
