get to the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get to the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to tell someone to start talking about the main issue and to stop talking about unnecessary/irrelevant details. For example, you could write "Let's get to the point - what are the key takeaways from this meeting?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Get to the point.

Forbes

Rewrite copy to get to the point".

The New York Times

Get to the point, Michel.

Stanford University

Let's get to the point.

The New York Times

Get to the point, buster.

The New York Times

NEW HAVEN Cafe Nine "Get to the Point," storytelling.

The New York Times

I'll try to get to the point.

The New York Times

Touch-based interfaces get to the point.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Getting to the point... Will Adamsdale.

The Guardian

But soon they got to the point.

The New York Times

Then he got to the point.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving feedback, use "get to the point" to encourage focused and actionable suggestions.

Common error

Don't use "get to the point" passively. Always clearly state what action or information you expect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get to the point" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to be direct and concise in their communication. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used in direct requests or commands to focus on the essential information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get to the point" is a common imperative used to urge directness and conciseness in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, predominantly in news media, academia, and general discourse. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the audience and setting to avoid potential rudeness. Alternatives like "be direct" or "cut to the chase" offer similar meanings with varying tones. Using "get to the point" effectively involves balancing clarity with politeness, ensuring the message is both efficient and well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to the point

Similar meaning, but less frequently used.

be direct

This alternative is more concise and straightforward.

be concise

Highlights the need for brevity in communication.

cut to the chase

This alternative is more informal and suggests impatience.

skip the preamble

Focuses on omitting introductory remarks.

summarize quickly

Emphasizes the need for a brief overview.

state your business

This alternative is more assertive and implies a transactional context.

boil it down

Suggests reducing information to its most essential parts.

get on with it

This alternative is more dismissive and can be perceived as rude.

spit it out

This alternative is very informal and demanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "get to the point" as an imperative, like "Please, "get to the point" so we can finish this meeting" or as a self-reminder, like "I'll try to "get to the point" in this presentation".

What can I say instead of "get to the point"?

You can use alternatives like "be direct", "cut to the chase", or "state your business" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "get to the point"?

It's appropriate when you need someone to be more concise and direct. However, consider the audience and situation, as it can sometimes be perceived as rude. Use with caution in formal settings or with individuals you don't know well.

What's the difference between "get to the point" and "come to the point"?

Both phrases have similar meanings, but ""get to the point"" is more common and direct. "come to the point" can sound slightly more polite or questioning, as if inviting someone to reveal their purpose.