on the point

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is making a very pertinent or important point, usually in a discussion or debate. For example: "My colleague made an excellent point about the importance of budgeting, and I think she was really on the point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Balance one matchstick on the point of the other.

WikiHow

Mr Wheen is emphatic on the point.

The Economist

(She kept pressing him on the point).

The New Yorker

Justice Antonin Scalia picked up on the point.

The New York Times

Democrats seized on the point.

The New York Times

Aldiss is clear on the point.

The Guardian - Books

Later, he expanded on the point.

The New Yorker

Cable is honest on the point.

The Guardian - Business

Marcus is clear on the point.

The Guardian - Books

We see it on the point of nuzzling her shoulder.

Independent

The ruling coalition may be on the point of disintegrating.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the point" to clearly indicate relevance or being at a critical stage in your writing. This enhances the focus and impact of your message.

Common error

While "on the point" is versatile, excessive use in casual writing can make your tone sound overly formal. Reserve it for situations where clarity and precision are key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the point" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It typically serves as an adverbial phrase to indicate relevance, imminence, or a critical juncture. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "on the point" is a versatile expression used to denote relevance, imminence, or a critical moment. It functions adverbially to modify verbs or nouns, primarily within news, scientific, and general contexts. While generally considered grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is best suited for contexts requiring clarity and precision. Its high frequency across varied authoritative sources underscores its value in both formal and semi-formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the crucial moment

Focuses on the timing aspect of being at a critical juncture.

on the verge

Implies being close to a certain state or action.

at the brink

Suggests a state of near-crisis or significant change.

relevant to the matter

Highlights the pertinence or applicability to a specific issue.

germane to the issue

Emphasizes the direct relevance and importance to the topic.

pertinent to the subject

Focuses on the connection to a particular subject under discussion.

in the middle of

Indicates being actively engaged or surrounded by something.

about to

Denotes an immediate future action or event.

close to

Highlights proximity, either physical or metaphorical.

at issue

Refers to the specific matter under consideration or debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the point" to mean relevant, pertinent, or about to do something. For example, "Her argument was "relevant to the matter"" or "He was "about to" quit his job".

What does "on the point" mean?

"On the point" can mean relevant or pertinent, as in "He was "relevant to the matter"". It can also mean about to do something, as in "She was "on the verge" of tears".

Is it correct to say "on point" instead of "on the point"?

While "on point" is an acceptable abbreviation and is often used in informal settings, "on the point" maintains a more formal and precise tone. The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

What are some alternatives to "on the point"?

Alternatives include "relevant to the matter", "on the verge", or "at the crucial moment", depending on the intended meaning and context.