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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
footnotes point
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "footnotes point" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing the significance or relevance of footnotes in a text, but it is not a commonly recognized expression. Example: "The footnotes point to important sources that support the main argument of the paper."
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Snide footnotes point out Türmer's lies, inaccuracies and shameful instances of self-aggrandizement.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
It carried footnotes pointing out statements Burroughs made that weren't supported by "scientific" evidence.
News & Media
The book is completed by his son, Michael, who also adds some "Pale Fire -like Fire -like pointing out that Barney's version is footnotesgospointing
News & Media
A footnote points out that the Hebrew verb is not one used for anointment, "and its associations are sensual rather than sacramental".
News & Media
He added a footnote pointing out that "Newton's aphorism is a standardized phrase which has found repeated expression from at least the 12th century".
News & Media
Halfway through the paragraph he throws in an asterisk, and in a footnote points out that the lower leg is a lot like the forearm, only less fragile.
News & Media
But a footnote pointed out that the cash flow from existing rents would actually cover only 0.65percentt of the debt service.
News & Media
As Theo Francis of Footnoted pointed out at the time, the clause is "so broadly written, it would seem to apply even if he left for some less august job, such as mayor of tiny Barnegat Light, New Jersey, (pop. 835)." So perhaps the filing language has only become more precisely realistic, rather than handicapping his chances.
News & Media
For those of us who thought that the hung jury in the first trial of Vicky Pryce must have damaged public confidence in the entire system of jury trial, Thomas has a gentle footnote pointing out that hung juries account for only 0.6% of all deliberations.
News & Media
Her de haut en bas footnote pointing out that "a marinade is a bath of wine, herbs, oil, vegetables, vinegars and so on, in which fish or meat destined for particular dishes repose for specified periods and acquire virtue" filled us with ecstasy.
News & Media
Aside from the fact that it was three lawyers, not judges, there was another confusion, as the appended footnote pointed out: "This article was amended on 3 June 2014 … It was actually industry lawyers who said the proposals could breach the European convention on human rights…".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "footnotes point", ensure the context clearly indicates that the footnotes are directing the reader to specific information or insights. This phrasing works best when the footnotes actively contribute to the understanding of the main text.
Common error
Avoid using "footnotes point" when the footnotes merely provide supplementary information without directly supporting or clarifying a specific argument. Opt for more neutral verbs like "indicate" or "provide" in such cases.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "footnotes point" functions as a verb phrase where "footnotes" acts as the subject and "point" is the verb. It suggests that the footnotes direct the reader's attention to something specific. While Ludwig indicates potential for misinterpretation, the examples provide context.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "footnotes point" is a phrase that suggests footnotes actively direct the reader to specific information. Ludwig indicates that it is acceptable but not standard English, with usage primarily found in news and media and scientific contexts. For clearer communication, consider alternatives like "footnotes indicate" or "footnotes highlight". Although the phrase is understandable, these alternatives are more commonly used and may be preferable for greater clarity and wider acceptance. When using "footnotes point", ensure that the context clearly shows the footnotes playing an active role in directing the reader to critical information.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
footnotes indicate
Replaces "point" with "indicate", suggesting direction or reference but it's less informal.
footnotes reveal
Replaces "point" with "reveal", implying the disclosure of information that might not be immediately obvious.
footnotes highlight
Replaces "point" with "highlight", emphasizing particular pieces of information within the footnotes.
footnotes emphasize
Replaces "point" with "emphasize", stressing the importance of specific details found in the footnotes.
footnotes clarify
Replaces "point" with "clarify", suggesting the footnotes serve to make something easier to understand.
footnotes detail
Replaces "point" with "detail", focusing on the provision of extensive information in the footnotes.
footnotes specify
Replaces "point" with "specify", highlighting the precise or particular information provided by the footnotes.
footnotes allude to
Replaces "point" with "allude to", suggesting the footnotes make an indirect reference to something.
footnotes reference
Replaces "point" with "reference", indicating the footnotes connect to other sources or pieces of information.
footnotes explain
Replaces "point" with "explain", denoting that footnotes are used for elucidation or clarification.
FAQs
What does "footnotes point" mean?
The phrase "footnotes point" suggests that footnotes direct the reader's attention to specific details, sources, or arguments that support or elaborate on the main text. It implies an active role for the footnotes in guiding the reader's understanding.
Are there alternatives to "footnotes point"?
Yes, you can use alternatives like "footnotes indicate", "footnotes highlight", or "footnotes clarify" depending on the specific context.
When is it appropriate to use "footnotes point" in writing?
It is suitable when the footnotes actively direct the reader to specific insights or information that strengthens or clarifies the main text. If the footnotes are only providing supplementary information, consider other verbs.
Is "footnotes point" grammatically correct?
While not a standard or commonly used phrase, "footnotes point" is understandable and grammatically acceptable. However, consider using more common alternatives like "footnotes indicate" or "footnotes highlight" for better clarity and wider acceptance.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested