a neat point

USAGE SUMMARY

'a neat point' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe something that is well thought out or well made. For example, "Her argument about the benefits of telecommuting had a neat point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Not funny to everyone, but it makes a neat point.

BBC

Do this over and over going around the top area until there is a neat point.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even if there is an arbitrary starting point assigned, a genuine partnership rarely has a neat starting point.

BMC Public Health

But a Scottish Labour grandee offers a neat concluding point.

The Economist

There is a neat moral point about falling victim to forgeries in general (not in the Bolton case).

The Guardian - Books

The Maldivians wisely filed his report neatly away and wrote their own clear vision for their tourist industry: they want to cater to premium (rich) holidaymakers who really want to get away from it all, without of course getting away from things such as air conditioning, à la carte dining, hot tubs, minibars, hairdryers and toilet rolls folded to a neat triangular point.

The Guardian - Travel

They said this suggests that those who repeatedly requested data were employing a neat "debating point".

BBC

The fate of Ally McCoist at Ibrox will be folded into the single narrative of Rangers, but Neil Lennon's decision to leave Celtic was a neat turning point in the year.

BBC

@abkquan is ambivalent about whether to include Leoš Janáček, whose musical world, as he puts it, "was centred in Brno rather than Prague", but @PositivistDinosaur has a neat solution, pointing out that Janáček's opera The Excursions of Mr Brouček was premiered in Prague in 1920 and that The Makropulos Affair is set in the city.

The Guardian - Music

My own active involvement in his work occurred at three neat points — early, middle and late.

The New York Times - Magazine

He wants it ordered into 13 clean tricks, 52 structured cards, four sorted suits, 40 neat points.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a neat point" when you want to commend a statement that is both clever and concise. It implies that the point is not only accurate but also elegantly presented.

Common error

While "a neat point" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to describe effective arguments and observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a neat point" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. It is used to identify and characterize a specific idea, argument, or observation, deeming it as clever, concise, and well-structured, as demonstrated by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a neat point" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an idea or argument that is both clever and concisely presented. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's relatively rare in usage, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies not only validity but also elegance in presentation. Consider alternatives like "a clever idea" or "a smart observation" to avoid repetition. Its function is to express appreciation for a well-articulated insight, fitting comfortably in neutral communicative registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever idea

Focuses on the ingenuity of the idea rather than its precision.

a smart observation

Emphasizes the intelligence behind the remark.

a well-articulated argument

Highlights the clarity and structure of the point.

an astute comment

Suggests the point is perceptive and insightful.

a concise statement

Stresses the brevity and clarity of the point.

a subtle nuance

Highlights the delicate nature of the detail.

a compelling reason

Focuses on the persuasiveness of the justification.

a pertinent detail

Emphasizes the relevance and importance of the fact.

a valid consideration

Suggests the point is worth taking into account.

an effective strategy

Highlights the efficiency and success of the plan.

FAQs

How can I use "a neat point" in a sentence?

You can use "a neat point" to describe a clever or well-made observation. For example, "The speaker made "a neat point" about the importance of sustainable energy".

What are some alternatives to saying "a neat point"?

Alternatives include "a clever idea", "a smart observation", or "a well-articulated argument", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to describe an argument as "a neat point"?

While generally positive, "a neat point" implies that the argument is not only correct but also elegantly and concisely presented. Use it when both aspects are true.

What's the difference between "a neat point" and "a valid point"?

"A valid point" simply means the argument is sound and correct. "A neat point" suggests that the argument is also clever, concise, and well-presented.