about what point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about what point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about a specific detail or aspect of a discussion or topic. Example: "Can you clarify about what point you were referring to in your last statement?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I've already said a bit to you about them, and there's information on the syllabus about what point values those have in determining your final grades.

Yale University

There's no hard and fast rule about what point of view will work better for what type of novel.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Think about what points you want to make in your review.

WikiHow

Think about what points in your day were really inefficient, and what parts you did very efficiently.

WikiHow

The propagandist may find it hard to specify, even to himself, exactly what beliefs, values, or actions he wants to bring about, by what points in time, among different sorts of people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's really about at what point does speech becomes action; that's a boundary that becomes difficult to draw, and it's a slippery slope," Mr. Telhami said.

The New York Times

Second, since Obama keeps talking nonsense about economics, at what point do we stop giving him credit for actually knowing better?

The New York Times

'It is all about timescales,' says Alex. 'At what point do you say you're infertile?

The Guardian

At the end of the movie I asked myself what it was about, what was its point?

Vice

"There is the potential then to go back further in time to the ancestors of birds and mammals and start trying to ask questions about at what point in time did warm-bloodedness evolve," Eagle says.

Science Magazine

Wander about the building to see what point of view is the most harmonious, and avoids distracting objects.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about what point", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a specific argument, moment in time, or aspect of a topic. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "about what point" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "what about" or "which part" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about what point" functions as a prepositional phrase used to inquire about a specific detail, argument, or moment in a discussion. It seeks clarification on a particular aspect of a topic, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about what point" serves as a grammatically sound, though relatively uncommon, means of seeking clarification or specificity. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct but might sound too formal in informal conversations. It's often employed in academic discussions, news reports, and professional exchanges, prompting speakers to elaborate on particular details or aspects. For more casual settings, alternatives like "what about" or "which part" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regarding what aspect

Changes 'about point' to 'regarding aspect', offering a more formal tone.

Concerning which detail

Substitutes 'about what point' with 'concerning which detail', emphasizing a specific element.

With respect to which matter

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal construction using 'with respect to'.

In relation to what issue

Offers a variation using 'in relation to', focusing on the subject or problem at hand.

On what specific item

Shifts the focus to a precise element, using 'on what specific item'.

Referring to what element

Emphasizes the act of referencing something particular.

At what juncture

Focuses on a specific moment or stage, using 'at what juncture'.

At what stage

Replaces 'point' with 'stage', highlighting a phase in a process.

In what respect

Offers a more concise way to ask about a particular aspect or feature.

Regarding what element

Changes 'about point' to 'regarding element', changing the focus slightly from the whole to its component.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "about what point" to sound more casual?

In informal contexts, you can use phrases like "what about", "which part", or simply "what are you talking about?" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "about what point" grammatically correct?

Yes, "about what point" is grammatically correct, though it can sound somewhat formal. It's often used in academic or professional settings.

What's a more formal alternative to "about what point"?

More formal alternatives include "regarding what aspect", "concerning which detail", or "with respect to which matter".

How does the meaning of "about what point" differ from "what's the point"?

"About what point" seeks clarification on a specific detail or aspect, while "what's the point" questions the overall purpose or relevance of something.