like pointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like pointed" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is similar to being pointed, but without additional context, it is unclear how to use it effectively. Example: "The object was shaped like pointed ends, making it difficult to handle."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I read that passage at breakfast, over cappuccinos with dollops of foam that looked like pointed doges' hats, before venturing into the city.

The New York Times - Travel

His only real function in their little family is to supply the money; cash is the cushion on which Mommy's cold sentimentality and spite rest, like pointed baubles.

The New Yorker

Time and again dancers paused in lunges or stood with straight arms extending down like pointed arrows, only to buckle at the knees and topple onto the floor.

The New York Times - Arts

Li, Wade-Giles romanization li, Chinese bronze, wide-mouthed cooking vessel that was supported by three legs shaped like pointed lobes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, the original architects of the 13-story exchange, an early skyscraper, had provided tempting fodder for the 1970s salvagers, with repeating patterns like pointed ovals and clusters of spheres.

The New York Times - Arts

I noted that the bedside table had been fashioned from a stack of large dog-food cans topped with glass, and that the pillows on the queen-sized bed had been puffed to look like pointed ears.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The word is probably derived from the German, and supposedly meant "tooth-like, pointed or jagged" (metallic zinc crystals have a needle-like appearance).

Wikipedia

They seemed to want to believe that my father was a mounted policeman and that we lived in igloos.' Atwood has a liking for pointed generalisations.

The Guardian - Books

FEW readers of The Economist, one would imagine, have seen a one-eyed dwarf with bat-like wings, pointed ears and sharpened talons.

The Economist

Most explanations have focused on the blade-like, backward pointed crest of male P. longiceps, however, and ignored the wide range of variation across age and sex.

Wikipedia

We would like to replace "pointed graph" by "≡-class of pointed graph".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "like pointed" with more precise phrases such as "point-like" or "shaped like a point" to enhance understanding.

Common error

Don't use "like pointed" when describing shapes or actions; instead, opt for descriptive alternatives that clearly convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like pointed" functions as an adjective phrase, aiming to describe something that has characteristics similar to being pointed. As Ludwig AI points out, however, the phrase lacks clarity and is not considered standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "like pointed" aims to describe something resembling a point, its grammatical ambiguity and lack of precision make it less than ideal for formal or clear communication. As Ludwig AI suggests, opting for alternatives such as "point-like", "shaped like a point", or "resembling a point" enhances understanding. Although "like pointed" appears in contexts such as News & Media and Encyclopedias, its usage is relatively uncommon, suggesting that more descriptive phrasing is generally preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point-like

Uses a compound adjective to directly convey the characteristic of having a point.

with a pointed shape

Specifically mentions the shape being pointed, adding clarity.

having a pointed form

Directly states the existence of a pointed form.

shaped like a point

Emphasizes the geometric aspect of resembling a point in form.

resembling a point

Focuses on the characteristic of having a point, emphasizing similarity in shape.

similar to a point

Highlights the likeness to a specific point, maintaining simplicity.

akin to a point

Uses 'akin' to denote a resemblance or similarity to a point, formal tone.

reminiscent of a point

Suggests that something evokes the idea or image of a point.

in the manner of pointing

Highlights the way something is pointed, implying action or direction.

as if pointing

Suggests an action that resembles pointing, often metaphorical.

FAQs

How can I describe something that resembles a point?

Instead of "like pointed", use more precise alternatives such as "point-like", "shaped like a point", or "resembling a point" for better clarity.

What's a clearer way to express similarity to something pointed?

Opt for phrases like "similar to a point" or "having a pointed form" instead of "like pointed" to avoid ambiguity.

Is "like pointed" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "like pointed" isn't considered grammatically standard. Using more descriptive phrases enhances clarity and correctness.

When is it appropriate to use "like pointed"?

It's best to avoid "like pointed" in formal writing. In informal contexts, ensure the meaning is clear; otherwise, use more precise alternatives.