point for point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point for point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a detailed comparison or analysis where each aspect is considered individually. Example: "The two reports were compared point for point to highlight the differences in their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mr. Wyer accuses Liebling of mistating facts and sets forth his grievances point for point.

The New Yorker

Eastchester matched Parkside point for point for three quarters and then some.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the cause M.P.D. most damaged was feminism: point for point, M.P.D. repeats the old weak-woman stereotype.

The New Yorker

Roth's classmates later said that this place was Brody, point for point, but it has been transformed.

The New Yorker

The U.N. inspectors had corroborated, point for point, the open-source investigation that Higgins had conducted from his couch.

The New Yorker

Down by 3, Boston went to the man who had nearly matched Sprewell point for point, Antoine Walker.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Many of these bas-reliefs bear a point-for-point resemblance to the way today's Odissi dancers move.

The New York Times - Arts

France's Mladenovic is matching her point-for-point, game-for-game as the first set reels towards a tie-break.

The Guardian - Sport

This kind of point-for-point lineup could easily turn into into leaden illustration, but that isn't the effect.

The New York Times - Arts

In style, at least, Mr. Yar'Adua is a point-for-point opposite of the brash, sometimes confrontational former president.

The New York Times

One that corresponds, point-for-point, with everything we have ever seen, heard or known; or will ever be likely to see, hear or know.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "point for point" to emphasize a direct and detailed comparison, especially when refuting an argument or demonstrating a close correspondence between two things. For example: "He refuted the claims "point for point", addressing each concern systematically."

Common error

Avoid using "point for point" when a general comparison is intended. This phrase is most effective when you can clearly identify and compare specific, corresponding elements. If the comparison is broad or conceptual, consider alternatives like "in many ways" or "generally speaking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point for point" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating a detailed and systematic comparison or response. As evidenced by Ludwig, it signifies that each element or argument is addressed individually and directly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Books

14%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "point for point" is a versatile adverbial phrase signifying a detailed and systematic comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Books. It's most effective when highlighting thoroughness and precision in analyzing or refuting specific elements, avoiding its use in broad, general comparisons. When a closer alternative is requested, consider options such as "in every detail" or "item by item". This makes "point for point" a useful phrase for clear and emphatic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in every detail

Focuses on thoroughness of agreement or similarity, emphasizing no detail is missed.

item by item

Emphasizes a sequential, element-by-element comparison or matching.

detail by detail

Similar to item by item, but highlights the fineness of the comparison.

aspect by aspect

Focuses on comparing different aspects or features sequentially.

feature for feature

Highlights a comparison based on specific characteristics or attributes.

step by step

Highlights the progression and sequence of actions/events that are compared.

in all respects

Focuses more broadly on overall agreement rather than individual details.

consistently

Highlights that something is being done in a repeatable and reliable way.

uniformly

Emphasizes the identical way two or more things are compared.

identically

Highlights perfect sameness in terms of comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "point for point" in a sentence?

You can use "point for point" to describe a detailed comparison or rebuttal, as in "The lawyer addressed the prosecutor's arguments "point for point"" or "The new model mirrors the old one "point for point".

What phrases are similar to "point for point"?

Alternatives to "point for point" include "in every detail", "item by item", or "aspect by aspect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "point for point"?

While "point for point" is emphatic, it's not inherently redundant. It clearly indicates a detailed, direct comparison. However, ensure the context warrants such emphasis.

What's the difference between "point for point" and "in general"?

"Point for point" indicates a direct comparison of specific elements, while "in general" refers to an overall assessment or similarity. They are used in contrasting situations: one specific, the other broad.