it points to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it points to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about something indicating the direction of, or to a particular situation, idea, or conclusion. For example: "The evidence it points to suggests the defendant is guilty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It points to trouble".

The New York Times - Books

"Maybe it points to libertarianism.

The New Yorker

It points to a true perception.

The New Yorker

It points to a gulfup.com domain.

The New York Times

But it points to something much bigger.

The New York Times

It points to moderate economic growth".

The New York Times

But it points to a deeper problem.

The Guardian - Tech

But it points to a bigger problem.

The New York Times

For many Serbs it points to eventual partition.

The Economist

But it points to I.B.M. for changing with the times.

The New York Times

Yet it points to a devastating truth behind the surface.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it points to" when you want to suggest an implication or direction that something indicates, rather than stating it as a definitive fact.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it points to". Vary your sentence structure to prevent monotony and improve readability. For example, instead of "It points to a deeper problem. It points to the need for change", try "This indicates a deeper problem and highlights the need for change."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it points to" functions as a linking expression, connecting a piece of information to a potential conclusion or implication. It suggests a direction or indication rather than stating a direct fact, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it points to" is a versatile phrase used to suggest implications or directions rather than stating direct facts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, signaling its usefulness in conveying insights and analysis. While highly frequent, avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives like "it suggests" or "it implies" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it indicates

Focuses more on direct indication rather than suggestion or implication.

it suggests

Emphasizes a less direct indication; implies rather than explicitly shows.

it implies

Highlights the indirect communication or veiled meaning.

it signifies

Draws attention to the symbolic meaning or importance of something.

it alludes to

More subtle reference; hints at something without stating it explicitly.

it hints at

Suggests a subtle and indirect indication.

it leads to

Concentrates on the consequential outcome or result.

it demonstrates

Focuses on providing evidence or proof of something.

it highlights

Emphasizes making something more noticeable or prominent.

it underscores

Strengthens the importance or emphasis of a particular fact.

FAQs

How can I use "it points to" in a sentence?

Use "it points to" to suggest an indication or implication. For instance, "The data "it points to" suggests a decline in sales."

What's the difference between "it points to" and "it indicates"?

"It points to" suggests an implication, while "it indicates" is a more direct and definitive statement. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence you wish to convey.

What can I say instead of "it points to"?

You can use alternatives like "it suggests", "it implies", or "it indicates" depending on the context.

Is "it points to" formal or informal?

"It points to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various types of writing and speech.