a pointless exercise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pointless exercise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity or task that is perceived as having no value or purpose. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I realized that the meeting was just a pointless exercise that wasted everyone's time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's a pointless exercise.

The New York Times

"The Collection," however, is just a pointless exercise in sadism.

The New York Times

Are sports sanctions and boycotts a pointless exercise?

The Guardian - Sport

But it has not been a pointless exercise.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is therefore likely to be a pointless exercise.

The Guardian

"It would be a pointless exercise to try and recreate one's youth.

Independent

"This is going to be a pointless exercise," I say to myself.

The New York Times - Sports

It seemed a pointless exercise," Mrs Newman says, profoundly distressed as she recounts what happened.

The Guardian

Anyone who saw Robert Altman's underrated film "Prêt-à-Porter" knows that is a pointless exercise.

The New York Times

Shooting badgers is a pointless exercise, a short-term, ineffective, sticky-plaster on the gaping wound that is bovine tuberculosis.

Independent

This report pushes the envelope of legal arguments and in a pointless exercise denies the illegality of settlements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pointless exercise", ensure the context clearly indicates why the activity lacks value. Providing specific reasons strengthens your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "a pointless exercise" as a blanket statement without providing specific reasons. Unsupported claims can weaken your argument and make your writing less convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pointless exercise" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object, describing a specific activity or endeavor. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates the activity lacks value or purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pointless exercise" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe activities perceived as lacking value or purpose. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. Its frequency is high, especially in News & Media, indicating its relevance in contemporary discourse. When employing this phrase, ensure clear justification to avoid weakening your argument. Alternatives such as "a futile endeavor" or "a waste of time" can provide nuanced variations, though "a pointless exercise" remains a direct and effective way to express disapproval of unproductive efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exercise in futility

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the inherent futility of the activity.

a futile endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of success despite effort.

a useless activity

Focuses on the lack of practical benefit.

a fruitless effort

Highlights the absence of positive results.

a vain attempt

Suggests an attempt that is ultimately unsuccessful and without value.

a meaningless task

Stresses the lack of significance or importance.

a waste of time

Focuses on the inefficient use of time and resources.

an unproductive undertaking

Highlights the inefficiency and lack of output.

a dead-end pursuit

Implies a course of action that leads to nowhere.

an idle pursuit

Suggests a lack of seriousness or purpose in the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "a pointless exercise" in a sentence?

You can use "a pointless exercise" to describe an activity that lacks purpose or value. For example: "Attending that meeting was "a pointless exercise" because no decisions were made."

What are some alternatives to "a pointless exercise"?

Alternatives include "a futile endeavor", "a useless activity", or "a waste of time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a pointless exercise"?

Yes, describing something as "a pointless exercise" is inherently negative, as it implies that the activity has no value or positive outcome.

What's the difference between "a pointless exercise" and "a challenging task"?

"A pointless exercise" indicates a lack of purpose or value, while "a challenging task" implies difficulty but also potential reward or accomplishment. They have opposite connotations.