pinpoint

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pinpoint' is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to identify or locate accurately and precisely. For example: "We were able to pinpoint the source of the leak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This idea of using social networks to pinpoint prospective mentors is something new.

The Guardian

I can pinpoint the exact moment I lost support for John Major, for example – it was the moment when, every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was his engorged penis repeatedly penetrating Edwina Currie's moistened labia.

The Guardian

It's a hell of a pinpoint operation".

The Guardian

Passing was not always pinpoint but clearly England's most accomplished performer James Milner 5 Apparently joined Liverpool for the chance to play in central midfield but showed little to suggest he will inject the creativity and forward thrust desperately required at Anfield Raheem Sterling 5 Jeered by the crowd, caught an Irish heel in the face and dived in search of a penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

Jack Redden and Dayne Beams were getting plenty of the ball for the Lions, while stand-in skipper Daniel Rich had unleashed a couple of pinpoint passes.

The Guardian - Sport

Your browser can give away a lot of information about you – with some very basic analytics tools, a website can pinpoint your location, what links you've clicked, how many times you've visited in the past and even track your cursor movements.

The Guardian - Tech

It's tough for him to pinpoint a favourite place, as his top spot keeps changing.

The Guardian

In the future, the agency intends to focus its activities geographically, with illegal logging and timber trade inquiries centred on the Americas, efforts to protect wildlife species – particularly tigers – undertaken in Asia, pollution investigations that pinpoint Europe, and a crackdown on the poaching of elephants and rhinos in Africa.

The Guardian

I can pinpoint the moment that I realised quite how awful it had all been, and began to regain the optimism and joie de vivre that I hadn't even realised I had lost.

The Guardian

As Simon Frith, the chair of the judges, noted last week: "For some of these artists it is quite difficult to pinpoint what genre they represent… artists are not constrained by marketing labels any more".

The Guardian - Music

Harf also addressed secretary of state Kerry's comments caught on an open microphone on Sunday, calling Israel's Operation Protective Edge one "hell of a pinpoint operation".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pinpoint", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being identified with accuracy and precision. Strong verbs and descriptive language can enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

While "pinpoint" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "find" or "locate" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pinpoint" is as a transitive verb, used to describe the action of identifying something with great accuracy or precision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pinpoint" functions as a transitive verb emphasizing accurate identification. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, it conveys a precise and accurate sense of location or identification. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of "pinpoint" in written English. Consider alternatives like "identify precisely" or "locate accurately" for slight variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid overuse in informal contexts to maintain an appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify precisely

Focuses on the act of identification with a high degree of accuracy.

locate accurately

Emphasizes the act of finding something in a specific location with correctness.

determine exactly

Highlights the process of reaching a definite conclusion or resolution with exactness.

specify clearly

Focuses on stating something in a distinct and unambiguous manner.

ascertain precisely

Stresses the effort to find something out for certain with precision.

diagnose accurately

Specifically used in contexts where identification involves a diagnosis, highlighting correctness.

detect with precision

Emphasizes the act of noticing or discovering something subtle with a high degree of exactness.

zero in on

This idiomatic expression conveys focusing intensely to find something.

home in on

This idiomatic expression describes moving directly and accurately towards a target.

nail down

Informal way of indicating that something has been identified or secured definitively.

FAQs

How to use "pinpoint" in a sentence?

You can use "pinpoint" as a verb to mean identify or locate exactly. For example: "Researchers were able to pinpoint the cause of the disease."

What can I say instead of "pinpoint"?

You can use alternatives like "identify precisely", "locate accurately", or "determine exactly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pinpoint" or "point out"?

"Pinpoint" means to identify something with precision, while "point out" means to draw attention to something. Use "pinpoint" when accuracy is key, and "point out" when you want to highlight something.

What's the difference between "pinpoint" and "discover"?

"Discover" implies finding something new or previously unknown. "Pinpoint" implies identifying something with great accuracy. For example, you might discover a new planet, but you pinpoint its exact location.