letter grade

Meaning

A letter grade is a mark given to a student's performance represented by a letter of the alphabet (typically A, B, C, D, or F), where 'A' is the highest and 'F' is a failing grade. This system is widely used in North American schools and universities. The tone is neutral and standard for discussing academic evaluation.

Examples

• My teacher converted our numerical scores into a final letter grade.

  My teacher converted our numerical scores into a final letter grade.

• She was hoping for an A, but her final letter grade was a B minus.

  She was hoping for an A, but her final letter grade was a B minus.

• The syllabus explains how percentages correspond to each letter grade.

  The syllabus explains how percentages correspond to each letter grade.

• You need a letter grade of C or higher to advance to the next level.

  You need a letter grade of C or higher to advance to the next level.

• Most universities in the US use a letter grade system rather than percentages.

  Most universities in the US use a letter grade system rather than percentages.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I got a good alphabet grade on my history test.

  ✓ I got a good letter grade on my history test.

  We do not say 'alphabet grade' in English; the correct term is 'letter grade'.

• ✗ What is your grade letter for this course?

  ✓ What is your letter grade for this course?

  The adjective-noun order is 'letter grade', not 'grade letter'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of a percentage, our final report cards show a ___.

  💡 An alphabetical mark like A or B.

  Show answer

  letter grade

• He was disappointed to see a D as his ___ for the semester.

  💡 Alphabetical mark.

  Show answer

  letter grade