it points towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it points towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate direction, focus, or implication regarding a subject or idea. Example: "The evidence presented in the report points towards a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Cary studies the symbiotic relationship between the worm and bacteria that live in a mucus membrane on its back, which it points towards the vent opening.

Science Magazine

As such, it points towards a potentially more exclusive contributory benefit system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both firms have dismissed the charge, but it points towards just how closely the pair are co-operating.

The Economist

Beyond its contents, perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Before the Dawn is the possibilities it points towards.

The Guardian - Music

Whereas recent history used to be so much in Woods's favour, now it points towards his difficulties at every turn.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a caricature, but the future it points towards – a life full of smart devices, which continually augment our daily reality – seems ever more plausible.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Tony Blair holds it pointed towards his interrogators like the prow of a ship, for Alastair Campbell it's held high and notice it's obscuring his mouth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When Germany introduced a bottle deposit system to encourage recycling in 2002, it pointed towards Scandinavia, even though East Germany had a sophisticated recycling infrastructure since the 1960s.

The Guardian

At this macro level the activity-theoretic conclusion is neither that evidence-based assessment must provide a robust foundation to any research evaluation, nor does it point towards a singular narrative or framework within which research must necessarily be assessed.

City, Territory and Architecture

JM: Just keep your head up and keep it pointed towards the sun.

Huffington Post

Oakmayne weren't best pleased about this, hinting that it pointed towards Ministry of Sound trying to sway the decision-making process.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it points towards" to suggest a trend, direction, or implication based on available information or evidence. It's effective when you want to avoid making a definitive statement but still indicate a likely outcome or conclusion.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "it points towards" in formal academic writing. Replace it with stronger, more direct verbs like "demonstrates", "establishes", or "confirms" to convey greater certainty and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it points towards" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a piece of evidence or information to a potential conclusion or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to indicate implication or tendency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

44%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it points towards" is a versatile phrase used to suggest a trend, direction, or implication without making a definitive claim. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, overuse in formal academic contexts should be avoided. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use this phrase to convey nuanced meanings in your writing. Remember to consider the context and choose stronger verbs when greater certainty is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suggests

This alternative is a more direct and simple way of indicating implication.

it indicates

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of pointing out or highlighting something.

it implies

This alternative is similar to "suggests" but carries a slightly stronger sense of indirect communication.

it hints at

This alternative emphasizes a subtle or indirect suggestion.

it alludes to

This alternative is more literary and suggests an indirect reference.

it signifies

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the meaning or importance of something.

it signals

This alternative is similar to "indicates" but emphasizes a clear and distinct sign.

it tends to

This alternative is more focused on the likely behavior or direction of something.

it directs attention to

This alternative emphasizes focusing or highlighting a specific element.

it leads one to believe

This alternative is more emphatic, expressing a strong sense of persuasion towards a belief.

FAQs

What does "it points towards" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "it points towards" suggests that something indicates a particular direction, outcome, or conclusion. It implies that evidence or information is leading in a certain way, but doesn't necessarily guarantee it.

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

You can use alternatives like "it suggests", "it indicates", or "it implies" depending on the specific context. Each alternative conveys a slightly different nuance of direction or implication.

How can I effectively use "it points towards" in my writing?

Use "it points towards" when you want to show a likely direction or outcome based on the available evidence, but you want to avoid making an absolute claim. It's a great way to introduce possibilities or suggestions without asserting them as definitive facts.

When should I avoid using "it points towards"?

Avoid using "it points towards" in situations where you need to express a firm conclusion or definitive statement. In such cases, stronger verbs like "proves", "establishes", or "demonstrates" are more appropriate.