Beside the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Beside the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is irrelevant or not directly related to the main issue being discussed. Example: "While your argument is interesting, it is beside the point in this debate about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's beside the point".

The New York Times - Arts

Dessert is beside the point.

The New York Times

True--but beside the point.

The Economist

That is beside the point.

The New York Times

But that's beside the point.

The New York Times - Magazine

Plot is beside the point.

The New York Times - Books

Why is beside the point.

The New York Times - Books

Guest: That's beside the point.

The New York Times

But definitive is beside the point.

The New York Times - Arts

His opponents always seemed beside the point.

The New Yorker

But this is somewhat beside the point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Beside the point" to gently steer a conversation back to the main topic when it veers off course. It's a polite way to acknowledge a comment while indicating it's not directly relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "beside the point" when you actually mean someone is "missing the point". "Beside the point" means something is irrelevant, while "missing the point" implies a misunderstanding of the central idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Beside the point" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It is used to describe something as irrelevant or not pertinent to the current discussion or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Beside the point" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to indicate that something is irrelevant to the current discussion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to maintain focus in conversations or arguments. When using this phrase, ensure you're not confusing it with "missing the point", and be mindful of potentially sounding dismissive. Consider alternatives like "irrelevant to the matter" to adjust the tone or formality. In conclusion, "Beside the point" is an appropriate way to signal irrelevance in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not the point

A shorter, more direct way of saying the original phrase.

Irrelevant to the matter

Focuses directly on the lack of relevance.

Immaterial to the issue

Highlights that the subject does not affect the outcome.

Not pertinent to the discussion

Emphasizes the irrelevance in a conversational context.

Off the mark

Suggests a deviation from the correct or relevant information.

Not germane to the topic

Uses a more formal tone to indicate lack of relevance.

Unrelated to the subject

Directly states the absence of a connection.

Not of significance

Emphasizes the lack of importance in addition to relevance.

A moot point

Suggests the topic is not worth discussing because it's already decided or irrelevant.

Inapplicable in this context

Highlights that the subject does not apply to the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "Beside the point" in a sentence?

"Beside the point" indicates that something is irrelevant to the current discussion. For example, "Your personal feelings are "beside the point"; we need to focus on the facts."

What phrases are similar to "Beside the point"?

Alternatives to "Beside the point" include "irrelevant to the matter", "immaterial to the issue", and "not pertinent to the discussion".

Is it ever inappropriate to use "Beside the point"?

While generally polite, using "beside the point" can come across as dismissive if not delivered carefully. Consider the context and your relationship with the other person.

What's the difference between "Beside the point" and "Missing the point"?

"Beside the point" means something is irrelevant, while "missing the point" means someone doesn't understand the main idea. For instance, "His anecdote was "beside the point"," versus "You're "missing the point"; the issue isn't the cost, but the principle."