point of order

USAGE SUMMARY

"point of order" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in a formal setting, such as a meeting or a lecture, to call attention to a situation that is contrary to the rules or protocol. For example, "I'd like to raise a point of order - this isn't the topic at hand and needs to be addressed at a later date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

— the point of order.

The New Yorker

Point of order denied.

The New Yorker

"A point of order.

The Guardian - Books

Point of order.

The New York Times

Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

The New York Times

Oliver Letwin makes a point of order.

The Guardian

Byles then complained on a point of order.

The Guardian

The Senate upheld Mr. Baucus's point of order.

The New York Times

Labour's Angela Eagle rises to make a point of order.

The Guardian

Jeremy Corbyn rises to make a point of order.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Point-of-order pricing.

Bplans

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When raising a "point of order", be specific and concise about the rule or procedure that you believe has been violated.

Common error

Avoid using "point of order" in casual conversations or informal meetings. It is a formal term and sounds out of place in relaxed environments. Opt for simpler ways to express disagreement or seek clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of order" functions as a noun phrase that serves as an interjection. It's used to formally interrupt a discussion or debate to call attention to a procedural error or violation of rules. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals that the speaker believes there's a deviation from the established protocol.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point of order" is a formal noun phrase used as an interjection in structured settings like meetings and debates. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase meant to highlight procedural errors or violations of rules. Ludwig examples show it appears most frequently in news and media, formal business, and academic contexts, underscoring its formal nature. While grammatically sound and widely recognized, it's essential to reserve its usage for appropriate situations to maintain the desired level of formality. The expert rating confirms its grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage, making it a valuable term in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request for a ruling

Seeks an official decision from the chair regarding a specific point of order or procedure.

procedural question

Focuses on seeking clarification or raising a question about a specific procedure.

question of procedure

Similar to 'procedural question' but slightly broader, encompassing various aspects of procedure.

motion to correct

Emphasizes the intent to rectify a mistake or deviation from established rules.

appeal to the rules

Highlights the necessity of following established guidelines or regulations.

objection to the procedure

Highlights disagreement with the current course of action or method being employed.

protest against irregularity

Directly expresses disapproval of an action that is perceived as improper or out of order.

call for clarification

Emphasizes the need for more precise explanation of a rule or process.

exception to the norm

This phrase marks a deviation from regular practice, prompting examination of protocol.

challenge to the chair

Represents a more direct questioning of the presiding officer's ruling or decision.

FAQs

How is "point of order" typically used in a sentence?

"Point of order" is used to interrupt a meeting or debate when a procedural rule has been violated. For example, someone might say, "Point of order, Mr. Speaker, I believe the previous speaker is out of time."

What does "point of order" mean in parliamentary procedure?

In parliamentary procedure, a "point of order" is a formal objection raised when someone believes that the rules of order are being violated. It's a way to ensure that meetings and debates adhere to established protocols.

What can I say instead of "point of order" in a less formal setting?

In a less formal setting, you could say, "I have a question about procedure", "Excuse me, but I think there's a mistake", or simply, "Shouldn't we be doing this differently?"

When is it appropriate to raise a "point of order"?

It's appropriate to raise a "point of order" when you believe a procedural rule has been broken, such as a speaker exceeding their time limit, a motion being out of order, or a deviation from the meeting's agenda. It's not appropriate to raise it for simple disagreements or personal opinions.