makes the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone is emphasizing or clarifying a specific argument or idea. Example: "In her essay, she makes the point that education is essential for personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Raggi makes the point.

The Guardian

But this video makes the point.

The New Yorker

A recolored pillowcase makes the point.

The New York Times

One bit of videotape makes the point.

The New York Times - Arts

"That just makes the point," she said.

The Guardian

It makes the point very strongly.

The Guardian

Bradford again makes the point crisply.

The Guardian

A brief list makes the point clearly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Manmohan Singh's growing collection of air miles makes the point.

The Economist

It won't help but it makes the point.

Independent

In Indonesia, he makes the point more bluntly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes the point" to clearly and concisely indicate that something is emphasizing a particular idea or argument. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight the significance of a statement or action within your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "makes the point" as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "highlights the idea", "underscores the argument", or "demonstrates the issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes the point" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically followed by a clause that specifies the point being made. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable, acting as a way to emphasize or clarify an argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makes the point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize or clarify an argument or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms such as "highlights the idea" or "underscores the argument" for variety. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communications. Top sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist often employ this phrase. Overall, "makes the point" is a reliable tool for effective writing, provided it's used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underscores the argument

Replaces "makes the point" with a more formal verb emphasizing the act of highlighting an argument.

highlights the idea

Substitutes "makes the point" with a phrase that emphasizes the act of bringing attention to a specific idea.

illustrates the matter

Uses "illustrates" to show the matter clearly, instead of just stating a point.

demonstrates the issue

Replaces "makes the point" with a stronger emphasis on proving an issue or problem.

clarifies the situation

Focuses on making a situation more understandable, which is a specific type of 'making a point'.

emphasizes the fact

Replaces the general term 'point' with 'fact', giving more weight to the statement.

stresses the importance

Focuses on the significance of something, rather than just making a point about it.

brings home the message

This idiom is less formal, emphasizing a clear and impactful communication of the message.

puts the spotlight on

This phrase highlights something by directing specific attention towards it.

draws attention to

Similar to 'highlights', but can be used to introduce a point rather than reinforce it.

FAQs

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

You can use "makes the point" to show that something emphasizes a specific idea. For example: "The data clearly "makes the point" that investment in education yields higher returns".

What can I say instead of "makes the point"?

You can use alternatives like "underscores the argument", "highlights the idea", or "demonstrates the issue" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "make a point" instead of "makes the point"?

Yes, "make a point" is correct. However, ""makes the point"" is more specific, referring to a particular point already under discussion, while "make a point" is more general, simply meaning to state a point.

What's the difference between "makes the point" and "proves the point"?

"Makes the point" suggests emphasizing or clarifying an idea, while "proves the point" indicates that something provides conclusive evidence for an idea. Proving something requires a higher standard of evidence than simply making a point.