on what point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on what point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking clarification or specificity regarding a particular aspect or argument in a discussion. Example: "Can you elaborate on what point you were trying to make during the meeting?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

After all, a glass can be half empty or half full, depending on what point of view one wishes to uphold.

The Guardian - Tech

Your tasks also depend on what point your client is at in their career.

The Guardian

It does, of course, depend on what point you add alcohol into the overall mix.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since the 1970s, Ross has been studying autobiographies and has found that authors largely distort their pasts, depending on what point of their story they want to emphasize.

The New York Times - Magazine

It always takes a while to look back and see on what point the significant lines of history converge — that's why they call it perspective.

The New Yorker

The complaint would ring strikingly familiar to many in the area today, who say the plaza, designed as a portal and a promenade, long ago devolved into a traffic circle with more lanes than the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway — depending on what point you're crossing from — and a center as daunting to reach as an island in a storm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If so, on what points?

The New York Times

On what points did you disagree?

The New York Times

On what points did you agree?

The New York Times

That's hard to game out necessarily so I would say most of the focus is on what points does she want to make".

The Guardian

Unlike in the better known points classification in the Tour de France, the type of stage had no effect on what points were on offer – each stage had the same points available on the same scale.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on what point" when you need to specifically inquire about a particular detail, argument, or aspect being discussed. This helps to narrow down the focus and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "on what point" in very informal conversations or writing, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "what about?" or "what specifically?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what point" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces a question that seeks clarification or specification about a particular aspect, detail, or argument within a broader discussion. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

29%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on what point" serves as a grammatically sound and functional interrogative phrase, primarily used to seek clarification on a specific detail or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its usage spans various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media. While its formality might make it less suitable for casual conversations, it's a useful tool for precise communication in professional or academic settings. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "what about?" in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding which aspect

Replaces "point" with "aspect", focusing on a particular feature or element under consideration.

concerning what issue

Substitutes "point" with "issue", emphasizing a problem or matter of debate.

on what subject

Uses "subject" instead of "point", highlighting the topic or theme being discussed.

in what respect

Focuses on the specific way or detail in which something applies or is relevant.

on what item

Replaces "point" with "item", focusing on a specific element in a list or collection.

about what matter

Emphasizes the subject or situation under discussion.

on what particular

Adds emphasis on specificity, highlighting a very precise element.

with regard to what

Formal phrase indicating relevance to a specific thing.

on what account

Focuses on the reason or justification for something.

on what grounds

Highlights the basis or foundation for an argument or action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on what point" to sound less formal?

Consider using alternatives like "what about?", "what specifically?", or depending on context, "where are you going with this?"

What's the difference between "on what point" and "about what"?

"On what point" is more specific, asking for clarification on a particular detail or argument. "About what" is more general, inquiring about the overall subject matter.

Is "on what point" grammatically correct in academic writing?

Yes, "on what point" is grammatically sound and appropriate for academic writing when you need to pinpoint a specific detail or argument. However, ensure it fits the overall tone of your piece.

When should I use "regarding what" instead of "on what point"?

Use "regarding what" when you want to inquire about the subject or topic in general, while "on what point" seeks clarification on a specific aspect or detail within that topic.