a pertinent point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pertinent point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight a relevant or significant observation or argument in a discussion or text. Example: "During the meeting, Sarah made a pertinent point about the need for better communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This was a pertinent point about Swann.

Independent

Even though one of our own favourite writers made a pertinent point thereafter.

The Guardian - Film

The editorial "Mr. Mukasey's Justice" (July 27) raises but then ignores a pertinent point.

The New York Times

She's got a one-liner that wouldn't have disgraced Dave's list, and would make a pertinent point about its gender bias, too.

The Guardian

A pertinent point by Jan Lofgren: "Who needs Champions League when the Europa League is giving us games like this?" It has been a belter.

The Guardian - Sport

During a question-and-answer session, Anatole Kaletsky, an economic commentator for the Times of London, made a pertinent point: it was Brown himself who had given an honorary knighthood to Alan Greenspan, the great deregulator.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

One reader made a highly pertinent point for the modern Guardian: "At a time when you are shedding columnists and reducing the coverage of the paper, dedicating six pages of the already reduced edition to a football manager, as you have today [9 February], is likely to result in the dwindling number of those prepared to pay for the paper, one of whom I am (for the moment), diminish even further.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a particularly pertinent point when you look at Snapchat, a hugely visible and popular social media brand that has failed to convince the public markets of its value.

TechCrunch

That's a particularly pertinent point when you look at Snapchat, a hugely visible and popular social media brand that has failed to convince the public markets of its value.

TechCrunch

A brief but pertinent point: a nightclub literally just needs a decent sized oblong dancefloor, a discreet bar that's designed for maximum serving efficiency, an elevated booth, a good system and some nice lights.

Vice

It feels like a strikingly pertinent point.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pertinent point", ensure that the point is not only relevant but also contributes significantly to the understanding or resolution of the issue at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "a pertinent point" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a key factor" or "a relevant consideration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pertinent point" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a clause. It introduces a significant observation or argument that is directly relevant to the discussion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pertinent point" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for introducing a relevant and significant observation or argument. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. While not extremely common, it appears frequently enough in news, scientific, and formal contexts to be considered an acceptable and effective expression. When writing, remember that while it's acceptable to use this phrase to indicate a key point, overuse can be repetitive; therefore, remember to integrate alternatives like "a relevant consideration" or "a significant observation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a relevant consideration

Focuses on the relevance of the point being made.

a significant observation

Emphasizes the importance of the observation.

an important aspect

Highlights the aspect's importance to the discussion.

a crucial element

Stresses the element's critical role.

a key factor

Points out the factor's importance in influencing the situation.

a noteworthy item

Highlights the item's deserving of attention.

a germane argument

Replaces 'pertinent' with 'germane', another synonym for relevance.

a timely comment

Focuses on the comment's appropriateness to the current moment.

an applicable detail

Emphasizes the detail's direct relevance to the situation.

a valuable insight

Highlights the insight's worth and contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pertinent point" to introduce a relevant and significant observation. For example, "During the discussion, she raised "a pertinent point" about the budget constraints".

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

Alternatives include "a relevant consideration", "a significant observation", or "an important aspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a relevant point" or "a pertinent point"?

"Relevant" and "pertinent" are often interchangeable, but "pertinent" suggests a more direct and crucial relevance to the matter at hand. Using "a pertinent point" can emphasize the importance of the point being made.

What makes a point "pertinent"?

A point is considered "pertinent" when it is directly related to the issue being discussed and contributes meaningfully to understanding or resolving it. It's not just relevant, but significantly so.