be pointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be pointed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is direct, clear, or focused, often in the context of communication or behavior. Example: "In her speech, she chose to be pointed about the issues that needed immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can be pointed.

The New York Times - Books

Fingers will be pointed at Wenger again.

The Guardian - Sport

Where will the cameras be pointed?

The New York Times - Tech

"So finger will be pointed right here.

The Guardian - Sport

Simmons, it should be pointed out, has seen everything.

The New York Times - Books

Then fingers began to be pointed at the bank.

The New York Times

And they need to be pointed out and resisted.

The New York Times

No finger of blame can be pointed at any perpetrator.

The New York Times

And they'll all be pointed in one direction.

The New Yorker

Two milestones can be pointed out.

SEP

"Serious injustices need to be pointed out.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be pointed" to describe criticism or blame, consider the tone and context. Opt for more neutral alternatives if the intention is to offer constructive feedback rather than direct accusation.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "be pointed" in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Rephrasing sentences to use active voice can improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pointed" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating direction, focus, or the act of indicating something. Ludwig AI examples show its use in both passive and active constructions, often highlighting specific elements or limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be pointed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that signifies direction, focus, or indication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in both scientific and news-related contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While alternatives like ""be directed"" or ""be aimed"" offer similar meanings, "be pointed" often carries a neutral tone suitable for diverse communications. It's important to avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact in writing. Pay attention to the best practices and common errors, particularly regarding voice and context, will help ensure effective and precise usage of this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be directed

Focuses on the act of guiding or aiming something, similar to pointing but with an emphasis on guidance.

be aimed

Implies a specific target or objective, more focused than a general direction.

be indicated

Highlights the act of showing or signifying something, often through a sign or symbol.

be focused

Emphasizes concentration or attention on a particular subject or area.

be guided

Suggests leading or directing someone or something along a path.

be targeted

Implies a deliberate selection of a specific goal or recipient.

be oriented

Focuses on positioning or aligning something in a particular direction.

be shown

Emphasizes the act of revealing or displaying something to others.

be alluded

Suggests an indirect reference or hint, rather than a direct indication.

be referenced

Highlights the act of mentioning or citing something as a source of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "be pointed" to indicate direction, focus, or blame. For example, "The evidence seemed to be pointed towards a different suspect" or "Several limitations should "be pointed out" in this study".

What are some alternatives to "be pointed"?

Alternatives include "be directed", "be aimed", or "be indicated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be pointed"?

While "be pointed" can be used in both active and passive voice, using active voice often results in clearer and more direct writing. Consider rephrasing passive sentences for better impact.

What does it mean when fingers "be pointed" at someone?

When fingers "be pointed" at someone, it typically means that blame or accusation is being directed towards that person. This idiom suggests a negative connotation and a situation of scrutiny or criticism.