directly and to the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directly and to the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe communication that is straightforward and clear, without unnecessary details. Example: "In our meeting, I appreciate when feedback is given directly and to the point, as it helps us make quick decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Answer the custody evaluator's questions directly and to the point.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This distillation to the story's essential human drama is (or should be) the aim of every poet-librettist, since brevity is only his visa at the opera world's border, and getting directly to the point (without drawing attention to oneself) is his passport to greatness.

Huffington Post

If it is the case that the mutterings can be clearly heard, then let the mutterer know this and inform them that if they intend for the comments to be heard, that they should speak clearly and directly to the points as this will carry greater weight and will earn them respect.

WikiHow

At the same time, new tools are rapidly and accurately interpreting medical data — from radiology imaging to genomics — and pushing insights directly to the point of care, which is less and less defined by physical location.

Stanford University

The Triage NGAL test provides quantitative NGAL measurements in minutes and is deployable directly to the point of patient care, and thus satisfies these requirements.

Critical Care

It's easier to read, and it gets directly to the point.

WikiHow

Increased spending on infrastructure by governments, to boost investment and growth directly, is more to the point.

The Guardian - Business

A nonprofit drug development entity or consortium driven by foundations and government could directly fund trials to the point of FDA approval.

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology

Li tends to run too directly to the point of contact and then fall away to the side after impact.

The New York Times

being shipped by rail and an undetermined amount by truck directly to the point of destination.

Cornell University

They write short snappy, songs that get directly to the point: Girls.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback, use "directly and to the point" to ensure your message is easily understood and actionable. This avoids confusion and saves time.

Common error

While "directly and to the point" is acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In very informal situations, it might sound too stiff. Consider using more casual alternatives such as 'get to the point' or 'cut to the chase'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directly and to the point" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. According to Ludwig, this usage is correct and emphasizes clarity and conciseness in communication or action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directly and to the point" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe communication that is clear, concise, and efficient. Ludwig identifies it as usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds application across various contexts, including news, media, and academic settings. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and avoid overuse in very informal situations where it might sound overly formal. Consider similar expressions like "concise and straightforward" or "clear and succinct" to achieve the desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concise and straightforward

Changes the structure and uses synonyms for directness and purposefulness.

clear and succinct

Replaces the original words with synonyms that highlight brevity and clarity.

brief and unambiguous

Focuses on lack of ambiguity and shortness of expression.

immediately pertinent

Highlights the relevance and immediacy of the information.

expressed tersely

Emphasizes a concise and sometimes abrupt style of communication.

straight to the heart of the matter

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey directness in addressing the core issue.

without beating around the bush

An idiomatic way to express directness by avoiding indirect approaches.

in a clear and focused manner

Focuses on clarity and concentration to a specific scope.

coming right to the issue

This indicates the act of addressing the central point without delay.

getting straight to business

Idiomatic way to refer to acting without any extra delay.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "directly and to the point" for professional emails?

For professional emails, alternatives like "clear and succinct", "concise and straightforward", or "brief and unambiguous" can maintain a professional tone while ensuring clarity.

Is it always better to communicate "directly and to the point"?

While directness is often valued, context matters. In some situations, a more diplomatic or nuanced approach may be necessary to avoid causing offense or damaging relationships. Balance directness with empathy.

What's the difference between "directly and to the point" and "blunt"?

"Directly and to the point" emphasizes clarity and efficiency. "Blunt", however, implies a lack of tact or consideration for others' feelings. While both are direct, bluntness can be unnecessarily harsh.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "directly and to the point"?

Use "directly and to the point" when you need to provide clear, concise information or feedback, especially in professional, academic, or formal settings where efficiency is valued and detailed explanations are less important.