coming to the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming to the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is about to address the main issue or topic in a discussion or conversation. Example: "After several minutes of small talk, she finally started coming to the point about the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"We're coming to the point where there's going to be no more money left," she said.

The New York Times

"We were coming to the point where people were fracturing, coming apart".

The New York Times

Like a flustered person who isn't sure what to say, the dish rambled on without coming to the point.

The New York Times - Food

"We're coming to the point where we have to put the Bronx back together," Mr. Heastie said.

The New York Times

"It was coming to the point where we would really have to lower the quality of education".

The New York Times

"My son is just now coming to the point where he actually talks to me," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"I came to the point where I needed to change.

The New York Times

It came to the point where I had to stop.

The Guardian - Books

Once the meeting began, the sheik came to the point.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have finally come to the point of feeling that".

The New York Times

And all his circling around eventually came to the point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coming to the point" in written communication, ensure that the preceding context is brief and relevant to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "coming to the point" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Try to use alternative phrasing to make the text more appealing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming to the point" functions as a transitional expression, signaling the speaker's or writer's intention to directly address the central issue. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from financial discussions to personal reflections. This is reflected in Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Food

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coming to the point" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a transition to the core subject of a conversation or written piece. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and literature. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, consider using alternatives like "getting to the point" or "cutting to the chase". Ludwig's examples and analysis emphasize its role in promoting directness and focus in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting to the point

Synonymous, emphasizing directness in communication.

arriving at the crux of the matter

More formal, highlights reaching the most critical aspect.

getting to the heart of the matter

Emphasizes understanding the core of a situation.

addressing the central issue

Focuses on tackling the main subject directly.

focusing on the core

Highlights the importance of target only what is critical.

getting down to brass tacks

Idiomatic expression for starting to discuss basic facts.

cutting to the chase

Informal, meaning avoiding unnecessary details.

homing in on the key issue

To move towards or focus attention on a particular point or objective.

zeroing in on the essence

Highlights focusing sharply on the most important aspect.

tackling the main subject

Suggest to deal with (someone) in a direct or firm way.

FAQs

What does "coming to the point" mean?

"Coming to the point" means starting to discuss the most important or essential part of a subject or conversation after some introductory remarks.

How can I use "coming to the point" in a sentence?

You can use "coming to the point" to indicate a transition to the main topic, for example: "After the introductions, he finally started "coming to the point" about the project's objectives."

What are some alternatives to "coming to the point"?

Some alternatives include "getting to the point", "cutting to the chase", or "addressing the central issue".

When is it appropriate to use "coming to the point" in a conversation?

It's appropriate to use "coming to the point" when you want to signal that you are about to discuss the most important aspect of the matter after some preliminary or less relevant conversation.