mark

A small line, spot, or other visible change on a surface.

• There’s a mark on your shirt.
• The pencil left a dark mark.
• Can you remove these marks from the wall?

Similar words: spot, trace

Common phrases: pencil mark, ink mark, mark on something

A number showing how well someone did in a test or piece of schoolwork.

• I got a good mark.
• Each correct answer earns two marks.
• What marks did you get in your exams?

How to use it: a mark for something (She received a high mark for her essay.)

Similar words: score, grade

Common phrases: good mark, full mark, exam mark

A limit or standard used to judge whether something is acceptable or accurate.

• His estimate was within the mark.
• That criticism went beyond the mark.
• Her description fell short of the mark.

Similar words: limit, standard

Common phrases: within the mark, beyond the mark, wide of the mark

To put a visible line, spot, or other sign on a surface.

• These shoes mark the floor.
• Her pen marked the paper.
• Be careful not to mark the wall.

How to use it: mark something with something (Mark the box with a red pen.)

Common phrases: mark the paper, mark a surface, mark something with, mark the floor

To show where something is by putting a sign or object there.

• Mark the spot with a stick.
• She marked her place in the book.
• Red flags mark the edge of the field.

How to use it: mark something on something (Mark the campsite on your map.); mark where… (A flag marks where the race begins.)

Similar words: indicate, show

Common phrases: mark a spot, mark the boundary, mark a place

To notice something carefully and remember it.

• Mark my words: he’ll return.
• Mark well what she tells you.
• He marked how quietly the stranger entered.

How to use it: mark what/how… (Mark how quickly his mood changes.)

Similar words: notice, note, heed

Opposites: ignore

Common phrases: mark my words, mark this well, mark what happens