a point of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a point of order" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal meetings or parliamentary procedures to raise a concern about the rules or procedures being followed. Example: "During the meeting, I raised a point of order regarding the voting process that was not clearly outlined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A point of order.

The Guardian - Books

Oliver Letwin makes a point of order.

The Guardian

Byles then complained on a point of order.

The Guardian

Labour's Angela Eagle rises to make a point of order.

The Guardian

Jeremy Corbyn rises to make a point of order.

The Guardian

Fabricant said: "On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

The Guardian

Ed Milband stands up on a point of order.

The Guardian

A point of order under this subsection may be made at any time.

Cornell University

10.33pm BST Ed Milband stands up on a point of order.

The Guardian

These men appear to be fighting for their lives, not just a point of order.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"To address this issue, my measure creates a point-of-order to prohibit any diversion of funds from the retirement program to the disability program," Johnson said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When raising "a point of order", be clear and concise about the specific rule or procedure you believe is being violated. This helps maintain focus and prevents unnecessary delays.

Common error

Avoid using "a point of order" for disagreements on substance or opinion. It is strictly for procedural issues, not for challenging the merits of an argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point of order" functions as an interjection or procedural statement within formal settings like meetings, debates, or parliamentary sessions. It signals a deviation from established rules or seeks clarification on procedures, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a point of order" is a formal procedural statement used to address rule violations or seek clarifications in structured settings. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently used in news, academic, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it relates strictly to procedural matters and not substantive disagreements. Alternatives like "question of procedure" offer similar but slightly nuanced ways to address procedural concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point of procedure

Slightly more concise and formal alternative.

procedural objection

Focuses more directly on the act of objecting based on procedure.

question of procedure

Emphasizes the procedural nature of the inquiry or challenge.

objection to procedure

Highlights the act of objecting to a specific procedure.

challenge to the process

Broadens the scope to include any challenge to the ongoing process.

procedural inquiry

Implies seeking clarification on a procedural matter.

motion of order

Suggests a formal motion related to maintaining order.

formal complaint

Indicates a more serious challenge to the proceedings.

I rise to a question

More direct and assertive way to interrupt and introduce a concern.

I call for a clarification on the rules

Highlights the need for understanding and enforcing rules.

FAQs

How is "a point of order" typically used in parliamentary procedure?

In parliamentary procedure, raising "a point of order" is used to call attention to a violation of the rules or to seek clarification on parliamentary procedure. It's a way to ensure fairness and adherence to established guidelines.

What is "a point of order" in a meeting setting?

In a meeting, "a point of order" is raised when a participant believes that the meeting's procedures are not being followed correctly. This can include issues such as not adhering to the agenda, improper voting procedures, or other procedural errors.

When is it appropriate to raise "a point of order"?

It is appropriate to raise "a point of order" when you believe there has been a deviation from the established rules or procedures of a meeting or formal debate. This is to correct or clarify procedural matters, ensuring the process remains fair and orderly.

What can I say instead of "a point of order"?

While "a point of order" is standard, you could use alternatives like "question of procedure" or "procedural objection" to express a similar concern. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.