a pointed speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pointed speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a speech that is direct, sharp, or focused on a particular issue or criticism. Example: "The politician delivered a pointed speech addressing the corruption in the government, leaving no room for misinterpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We will be clear," the Democratic leader, Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, told his colleagues Friday morning in a pointed speech on the Senate floor.

The New York Times

On the Senate floor, Dianne Feinstein gave a pointed speech, in which she warned that, if the bill passed, "diplomatic negotiations will collapse," and said, "We cannot let Israel determine when and where the United States goes to war".

The New Yorker

"Olympic Games are a sports festival embracing human diversity in great unity," Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee president, said in a pointed speech denouncing discrimination at the start of the Sochi opening ceremony.

The New Yorker

But it has been gathering momentum, first when Sanders struggled to defend his record on gun control and then when Chelsea Clinton, the once and perhaps future First Daughter, gave a pointed speech arguing that Sanders's insistence on "dismantling" Obamacare to build a more radical health-insurance program would, effectively, "strip millions and millions of people of their health insurance".

The New Yorker

As a candidate, he jumped into the issue of race relations when his campaign was threatened by the controversial remarks of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., and delivered a pointed speech to black fathers on Father's Day in 2008.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Rather than deliver the traditional summary outlook for the state in the year ahead, Gov. John G. Rowland opened Connecticut's new legislative session today with a short, pointed speech that focused almost solely on asking state employees and legislators to make sacrifices.

The New York Times

Hillary in a brilliant and pointed speech in Reno, Nevada correctly said, "Donald Trump is building a campaign on prejudice and paranoia".

Huffington Post

Obama used his weekly address to make a blunt and pointed speech, pinning the blame for the situation squarely at the doors of Republicans in Congress, whom he said were refusing to compromise on the issue of taxing the wealthy and so scuppering any chance of a deal to avoid potential disaster.

The Guardian

King Abdullah II of Jordan, one of the few leaders to give a relatively short and pointed speech, said there "may be a rare window of opportunity" after the U.S. election to achieve a final settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute.

Huffington Post

We've watched characters like Rowan, Cyrus, Mellie and Olivia deliver speech after pointed speech with intensity and vigor.

Huffington Post

The campaign for president made a rare stop in New York last night, as Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore gave dueling pointed speeches before a white-tie audience that included two people who had, until yesterday, kept a distance from those two presidential candidates: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rick A. Lazio.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pointed speech" when you want to emphasize that a speech directly addresses a specific issue or criticism with clarity and force.

Common error

Avoid using "a pointed speech" to describe general oratory or casual conversation; it is more appropriate for situations where there is a clear, direct, and often critical message being conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a pointed speech" is as a noun phrase, where "pointed" modifies the noun "speech". It describes a specific type of speech characterized by its directness and focus. This aligns with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pointed speech" refers to a direct and focused address, often used to express a particular opinion or criticism. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, using "a pointed speech" effectively conveys a message with clarity and emphasis. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations that warrant a direct and incisive approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a direct address

This alternative focuses on the straightforwardness and lack of ambiguity in the communication.

an incisive oration

This option highlights the sharp and penetrating nature of the speech's content.

a targeted discourse

This suggests the speech is aimed at a specific issue or audience.

a critical commentary

This emphasizes the analytical and potentially negative aspect of the speech.

a sharp lecture

This alternative underscores the instructive yet possibly stern tone of the speech.

a forceful statement

This highlights the strength and conviction behind the spoken words.

a trenchant remark

Focuses on the keenness and effectiveness of the spoken words, which may also sting.

a significant announcement

Emphasizes the importance and notability of the information conveyed in the speech.

a relevant discourse

This underlines how pertinent the themes or subject matter are to the time or audience.

a vigorous presentation

Highlights the energy and enthusiasm in the way that the argument is made.

FAQs

How can I use "a pointed speech" in a sentence?

You can use "a pointed speech" to describe a situation where someone delivers a speech that is direct and focused on a particular issue. For example: "The senator delivered "a pointed speech" criticizing the government's new economic policy".

What's a good substitute for "a pointed speech"?

Alternatives to "a pointed speech" include "a direct address", "an incisive oration", or "a forceful statement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a pointed speech" formal or informal?

"A pointed speech" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in formal settings such as political speeches or academic presentations.

What distinguishes "a pointed speech" from a regular speech?

The key difference is the directness and focus. "A pointed speech" directly addresses a specific issue or criticism, whereas a regular speech may cover a broader range of topics without necessarily focusing on any single point with such intensity.