is to the point

USAGE SUMMARY

'is to the point' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase when talking about something that is concise and straight to the point. For example, "Her explanation was short and to the point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"The level of frustration here is to the point of no return," he said.

The New York Times

History is to the point, and, ironically, no one nailed it like Cardinal Burke.

The New Yorker

"My rehabilitation is to the point where I'm comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do," said Woods.

The Guardian - Sport

The media have attacked him for everything from bungling the anthrax investigation to shredding the constitution.Some of this criticism is to the point.

The Economist

One evening we were reading Dr. Johnson & came upon a passage from his "Observations on the Present State of Affairs", which is to the point.

The New Yorker

"I think Joe is to the point where he's not going to feel the pressure if they don't win on opening day," O'Neill said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

As the nature of messaging communication is to-the-point, it is much less time consuming than phone calls, also because they are able to communicate with multiple customers at the same time.

Forbes

In a film where everything is to-the-point and obvious, Speed could've used more of those Lynchian vibes.

Vice

Murphy was to-the-point but poignant.

Los Angeles Times

The tutorial and manual are to-the-point and extensive.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"He's to the point.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to the point" when you want to emphasize that something is both direct and relevant to the current discussion or situation. This phrase is effective in highlighting efficiency and clarity in communication.

Common error

While "is to the point" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its slight formality. Overusing it in very casual conversations might sound stilted. Consider more relaxed alternatives like "that's the gist" or "that's it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to the point" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something is relevant, direct, and avoids unnecessary details. Ludwig provides examples showing how it modifies various subjects, such as 'analysis', 'presentation', and 'letter'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is to the point" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is both direct and relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While generally neutral, it leans towards formality and is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Alternatives such as "is relevant" or "is direct" can be used depending on the specific nuance. Use "is to the point" to highlight efficiency and clarity in communication, ensuring your message is concise and avoids unnecessary details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is relevant

Focuses on the pertinence of something to the matter at hand, omitting the emphasis on directness.

is pertinent

Highlights relevance and applicability, similar to 'is relevant', but with a slightly more formal tone.

is apropos

A more formal way of saying something is relevant and suitable.

is germane

Emphasizes the close relevance of something to the matter being considered.

is applicable

Emphasizes the suitability of something in a particular situation, without necessarily implying directness.

is direct

Stresses the straightforward nature of communication, lacking the implication of relevance.

is succinct

Similar to 'is concise', it emphasizes brevity, particularly in speech or writing.

is concise

Highlights brevity and lack of unnecessary detail, missing the aspect of relevance.

gets right to the heart of the matter

Highlights the act of addressing the core issue directly, which includes a sense of quickness and efficiency

cuts to the chase

Focuses on eliminating introductory or unnecessary information to reach the most important point quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "is to the point" to describe something that is relevant and direct, like "Her analysis "is relevant" and is to the point" or "The presentation was short and is to the point".

What does "is to the point" mean?

The phrase "is to the point" means that something is directly relevant to the matter being discussed and avoids unnecessary details. It emphasizes conciseness and clarity.

What are some synonyms for "is to the point"?

Some synonyms for "is to the point" include "is relevant", "is direct", "is concise", and "is apropos", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is to the point" formal or informal?

"Is to the point" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both professional and casual contexts. However, it leans slightly towards formality compared to more relaxed alternatives.