made the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'made the point' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that someone has expressed a fact, opinion, or argument. For example: "The speaker made the point that the current laws need to be changed in order to ensure equality for all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It made the point nicely.

The New York Times - Food

But the shirt made the point.

The Economist

Justice Antonin Scalia made the point with exasperation.

The New York Times

I made the point again and again.

The Guardian

This rousing performance made the point.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Bracco made the point more succinctly.

The New York Times

He made the point in a question.

The Guardian

So Wilco made the point themselves.

The New Yorker

You've made the point that governance of geoengineering is paramount.

Harvard University

In the fall, Rush Limbaugh made the point plainly.

The New York Times

Oh, look, her face changed!' You've basically made the point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made the point", ensure that the context makes it clear what specific point was being made. If the point is not immediately obvious, provide additional information for clarity.

Common error

While "made the point" is generally acceptable, be mindful of overusing it, especially in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "argued", "demonstrated", or "illustrated" to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made the point" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone successfully communicated a specific idea, argument, or piece of information. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made the point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that someone has effectively communicated an idea or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and is suitable for various contexts, although more formal situations may warrant stronger verbs. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, this phrase effectively conveys the successful delivery and impact of a message. Be mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing, and consider more precise alternatives like "argued" or "demonstrated" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got the message across

Emphasizes successful communication and understanding, implying a receiver of the message.

drove home the message

Suggests a forceful and persuasive delivery, adding intensity not present in "made the point".

expressed the idea

Focuses on the act of conveying an idea, lacking the sense of effectiveness implied by "made the point".

nailed the explanation

Informal and emphasizes perfect delivery and understanding of an explanation.

highlighted the fact

Similar to emphasizing, but more about bringing a fact to attention.

articulated the thought

Highlights clarity and precision in expressing a thought, whereas "made the point" is more general.

underscored the issue

Emphasizes the importance of an issue, often implying it was previously overlooked.

emphasized the importance

Focuses specifically on highlighting the significance of something, not just expressing it.

put it succinctly

Focuses on brevity and conciseness in expression, unlike the broader "made the point".

clarified the situation

Focuses on making something understandable, adding clarity as a key aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "made the point" in a sentence?

You can use "made the point" to indicate that someone effectively communicated an idea or argument. For example, "The speaker "made the point" that climate change is a serious threat".

What are some alternatives to "made the point"?

Alternatives include "expressed the idea", "articulated the thought", or "got the message across", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "made the point" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "made the point" can sometimes be considered informal for academic writing. Consider using stronger verbs like "argued", "demonstrated", or "illustrated" for a more formal tone.

What does "drive home the message" mean, and how does it differ from "made the point"?

Drove home the message implies a more forceful and persuasive delivery than simply ""made the point"". It suggests an effort to ensure the message is not only heard but also deeply understood and remembered.