it has its points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has its points" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to acknowledge that something has merits or advantages, even if there are drawbacks. Example: "While the movie was not perfect, it has its points, particularly in the character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Still, it has its points.

The New York Times

The New Yorker editors, being largely recumbent as it is, the idea is not so good, but it has its points as far as the other staff is concerned.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In hard hands, the principle could seem like a mechanical parody of ethics, but it had its points.

The New Yorker

And it certainly has its points — and disadvantages, the chief of them being that you always see other people with a layer of artificiality over them.

The New York Times - Style

"It has its good points and bad points, but I have my freedom, and I don't have any responsibilities.

The New York Times

AL: It has its good points and its bad points.

Huffington Post

"So it has its good points along with its bad".

The New York Times

It's a city of artists and very inspiring, but it has its weak points".

The New York Times

It has its good points, but it certainly doesn't buck the trend.

The Guardian - Books

It is also one of the more stimulating, although it has its weak points, among them a too-inclusive selection of works.

The New York Times - Arts

This should not be too much of a concern, as the normal Cantonese menu is adequate, though it has its weak points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has its points", be specific about what those points are to provide a balanced perspective. Avoid vague statements and offer concrete examples to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "it has its points" as a mere placeholder. Instead, elaborate on the specific positive aspects you're referring to, ensuring clarity and depth in your evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has its points" functions as an evaluative expression. It acknowledges that something possesses positive qualities or advantages, even if it may also have drawbacks. Ludwig confirms this usage, highlighting its role in providing a balanced assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has its points" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that acknowledges the positive aspects of something, even if it also has drawbacks. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to offer a balanced perspective, recognizing merits within a broader context. While its register is generally neutral, it may be prudent to opt for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to be specific about what those "points" are to provide a clear and thorough evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has its advantages

Replaces "points" with "advantages", focusing on the beneficial aspects.

it has its merits

Substitutes "points" with "merits", emphasizing the praiseworthy qualities.

it has some redeeming qualities

Highlights the existence of positive aspects that compensate for flaws.

it's not without its benefits

Uses a double negative to affirm the presence of positive aspects.

it offers some upsides

Replaces "points" with "upsides", suggesting positive aspects.

it has positive aspects

Directly states the existence of positive aspects.

it has a silver lining

Emphasizes a hopeful or positive aspect in a negative situation.

there are some good things about it

A more general way of acknowledging positive aspects.

it has some saving graces

Suggests that positive features compensate for serious flaws.

it's not all bad

Acknowledges that while there are negative aspects, not everything is negative.

FAQs

How can I use "it has its points" in a sentence?

You can use "it has its points" to acknowledge the positive aspects of something, even when there are drawbacks. For example, "While the design is flawed, "it has its points", such as its ease of use".

What's a more formal alternative to "it has its points"?

A more formal alternative could be "it possesses certain advantages" or "it offers particular merits". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more refined tone is required.

What can I say instead of "it has its points" to be more specific?

To be more specific, you could say "its strengths include...", "it excels in...", or "it offers benefits such as...". These alternatives provide concrete details about the positive aspects.

Is "it has its points" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it has its points" may be considered too informal for some academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it presents certain advantages" or "it offers notable merits".