against the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against the point" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could potentially be used in discussions about arguments or positions, but its meaning would depend heavily on the surrounding text. Example: "His argument was strong, but it was ultimately against the point I was trying to make."

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Few will argue against the point that patent trolling has gotten out of hand.

The Guardian - Tech

In the figure above, an Electromagnet (E) with a vibrating armature (A) was vibrated against the Point (P).

Princeton University

That isn't a very meaningful difference, and Big East teams have compiled an even record against the point spreads implied by our model.

The New York Times

While the Patriots are 14-0, they are a mere mortal 10-4 againsthehe point spread and, believe it or not, are in a slump.

The New York Times

In games where FiveThirtyEight point spread varied by more than 1 points against the Vegas line, it went 26-19 againsthehe point spread, getting 58 percent of its "bets" right.

The New York Times

When New England blasted off to a 9-1 stagainstinsthehe point spread, the oddsmakers finally realized they had to get aggressive and install an eye-popping number.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Sisu initially appealed against the points deduction, but later withdrew its action.

BBC

"[NADA] is an overtly commercial three-day event, [and] we're installing this very non-commercial project as a space where people will sit and stop traffic, which [goes against] the point of being in an art fair where you're supposed to walk around and see everything".

Vice

At a news conference Friday, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth denied the allegations against the president, point by point.

The Washington Post

Director Maria Augusta Ramos follows the trial against Rousseff from the point of view of her defense team.

Duke University

"Pitting fish against farmer misses the point and grossly distorts reality".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against the point", ensure the context clearly indicates what the central idea or purpose is, making the opposition or irrelevance apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "against the point" when the central argument or purpose isn't well-defined or easily understood. This can lead to confusion and weaken the overall clarity of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against the point" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It indicates that something is in opposition to, or detracts from, a central idea, aim, or argument. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against the point" is a useful tool for expressing disagreement or highlighting irrelevance in various contexts. As Ludwig AI pointed out, its usage is deemed acceptable, though mindful application is crucial. It appears frequently in news, media, and wiki sources and serves to critique or analyze the relationship between elements in a discussion. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the central idea or purpose is clear, avoiding potential ambiguity. Related alternatives like "contrary to the purpose" or "irrelevant to the matter at hand" can also be employed to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to the purpose

Emphasizes opposition to the intended aim or goal.

in opposition to the core idea

Highlights disagreement with the fundamental concept.

contradictory to the central argument

Focuses on the inconsistency with the main line of reasoning.

irrelevant to the matter at hand

Indicates a lack of connection to the current subject.

undermining the key message

Suggests a weakening or subversion of the main idea.

at odds with the main objective

Highlights conflict or disagreement with the primary target.

diverging from the central theme

Emphasizes a departure from the main topic or subject.

not aligned with the main thrust

Indicates a lack of agreement with the principal direction.

militating against the intent

Emphasizes that the new information goes against the original intention.

counter to the thrust of the argument

Emphasizes that the new information is incompatible with the direction of the argument.

FAQs

How can I use "against the point" in a sentence?

Use "against the point" to indicate that something contradicts, undermines, or is irrelevant to the main idea or purpose. For example, "His side comment was "irrelevant to the matter" and entirely against the point of the discussion."

What's a more common alternative to "against the point"?

Alternatives include "contrary to the purpose", "irrelevant to the matter at hand", or "undermining the key message". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "against the point" formal or informal?

"Against the point" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. While not overly technical, it's more appropriate for analytical writing than casual conversation. Similar sentences should be taken into account when taking the decision.

Can "against the point" be used in a positive way?

Generally, "against the point" carries a negative connotation, suggesting something is unhelpful or contradictory. You would typically use it to critique or express disagreement, but not to praise something.