get the point across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get the point across" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean to make something clear or understandable. Example: I was having trouble explaining my idea, but eventually I was able to get the point across.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You don't have to invoke climate change to get the point across," he says.

Princeton University

(Journals are not known for tabloid-like headlines, but this does get the point across).

The New York Times

Persist, and a pungent, skunk-style dowsing from its anal glands helps get the point across.

Independent

Those comments can help get the point across that the guest list will be limited.

The New York Times

Three hours for the fight and then two hours silent treatment to get the point across.

The Guardian - Opinion

I did enough of the song to get the point across.

The Guardian - Music

It's not long, but it's long enough to get the point across.

The New York Times

"Peter would just say: 'I want you to get the point across.

The Guardian - Film

It was labelled, in case the visuals didn't get the point across, "Capital Gains are Extremely Volatile".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Opera requires extremely good acting as well as singing to get the points across, especially when it involves comedy.

WikiHow

The pitch gets the point across.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, use strong evidence and clear reasoning to "get the point across". Support your claims with credible sources and logical arguments.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures or vocabulary when trying to "get the point across". Simplicity and clarity are key to effective communication. Complicating the message can obscure your intentions and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get the point across" functions as an idiomatic expression. It typically serves as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating the action of successfully conveying an idea or message. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get the point across" is a very common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the successful communication of an idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally informal, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. To enhance clarity, it's recommended to use simple language and support your claims with evidence. Alternatives like "convey the message" or "make it clear" might be preferred in more formal settings. Remember, effective communication is about bridging the gap between intention and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey the message

Focuses on the transmission of a message, similar to making a point understood.

make it clear

Emphasizes clarity and understanding, aligning with the goal of effective communication.

drive home the point

Highlights the effort to firmly establish a point in someone's mind.

put the idea over

Focuses on successfully presenting an idea to an audience.

get through to someone

Emphasizes reaching someone with a message, often overcoming resistance.

bring something home to someone

Stresses making something vivid and real to someone.

express effectively

Focuses on the manner of expression, implying successful communication.

articulate the idea

Highlights clear and coherent expression of an idea.

communicate effectively

Stresses the overall effectiveness of the communication process.

illustrate the meaning

Focuses on making the meaning clear through examples or explanations.

FAQs

What does "get the point across" mean?

The phrase "get the point across" means to successfully communicate an idea or message so that it is clearly understood by others.

How can I "get the point across" more effectively in my writing?

Use clear and concise language, provide supporting evidence, and consider your audience's knowledge level. Visual aids and real-life examples can also help "make it clear".

What are some alternatives to saying "get the point across"?

You can use alternatives like "convey the message", "make it clear", or "drive home the point" depending on the context.

Is "get the point across" formal or informal?

The phrase "get the point across" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in most contexts. In more formal situations, consider using phrases like "communicate effectively" or "articulate the idea".