pointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pointed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is sharp, direct, or focused, often in reference to comments or remarks. Example: "Her pointed remarks during the meeting made it clear that she was unhappy with the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He strongly denied all the charges put to him and pointed out that he was a strong backer of the peace process.

The Guardian

Next, he pointed out that full nationalization of a financial institution might trigger systemic shocks, as investors retreated from other banks, creating exactly the kind of panic that nationalization was intended to prevent.

The Economist

Summers pointed to the example of Sweden, which was regularly cited by economists who favored nationalization.

The Economist

He pointed out that having founded the FN and "led it during a period of 40 years of constant adversity" he considered himself a good "locomotive" to head the local regional election campaign.

The Guardian

"The blatant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law have been pointed out very clearly by the UN's commissioner for human rights," Amos told the Guardian during a visit to Tokyo, where she was attending a conference on improving responses to humanitarian crises in the Asia-Pacific.

The Guardian

Brands, as he pointed out, were far more than memorable names for modest little things in tins and packets, advertised in traditional mass media.

The Guardian

Michael McMillan said when he came to Kaarma's home on 23 April to spray for insects, an angry Kaarma came to the front door naked, pointed a shotgun at him and asked what he was doing there.

The Guardian

As for fundamentalist Christian grievances with the school system – perceived as godless and unfriendly to their evangelical cause – Boston pointed out the "incredible mission field" that would be America's public school students.

The Guardian

He pointed to newspaper reports that Obeid was a duel Australian-Lebanese citizen and that his Hunters Hill mansion was on the market.

The Guardian

He also pointed to a proposal in the House "to make sure government agencies don't turn cell phones of Americans into tracking devices" as another target for NSA reformers.

The Guardian

O'Donnell said it was clear there would be reasonable debate about political legitimacy if the Tories were the largest party but did not form a government, partly due to the presence of a large Scottish Nationalist contingent, but he pointed out voters had in two referendums rejected both a shift from first past the post and Scotland leaving the union.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pointed" to describe a remark or criticism, ensure the context makes it clear that the comment is direct and possibly critical, as in, "Her comments were pointed, but necessary."

Common error

Avoid using "pointed" when you simply mean 'mentioned' or 'stated.' "Pointed" implies a degree of sharpness or directedness. Instead of saying 'He pointed that the sky was blue,' consider 'He mentioned that the sky was blue' unless the statement was made in a particularly significant or forceful manner.

Linguistic Context

The word "pointed" functions primarily as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'point', indicating an action of directing attention or highlighting something. It also functions as an adjective, describing something sharp or direct. Ludwig examples show both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Sport

10%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Books

2%

Business

2%

Lifestyle

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pointed" is a versatile term that can function as both a verb and an adjective, typically denoting direction, focus, or sharpness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, it's essential to use "pointed" accurately, ensuring that the context aligns with the intended meaning of directness or critical focus. By considering these guidelines and exploring alternative phrases, you can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicated

Emphasizes showing or making something known, often through a sign or signal.

directed

Focuses on guiding or aiming something towards a specific target or direction.

highlighted

Suggests bringing attention to something important or noteworthy.

singled out

Implies choosing one item or person from a group for special attention or treatment.

called attention to

Highlights the act of making something noticeable or prominent.

gestured towards

Specifically refers to using a physical gesture to indicate a direction or location.

identified

Emphasizes recognizing or establishing something as being a particular thing.

drew attention to

Similar to "called attention to", but suggests a more active effort to attract notice.

specified

Focuses on providing detailed and precise information about something.

zeroed in on

Implies focusing intently on a particular aspect or detail, often with precision.

FAQs

How can "pointed" be used in a sentence?

"Pointed" can describe physical sharpness (a pointed spear) or a direct, often critical, remark (a pointed question). For example, "She made a pointed comment about his lack of preparation."

What are some alternatives to using "pointed" in my writing?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "pointed" include "indicated", "directed", "highlighted", or "specified". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pointed" always negative when describing comments or remarks?

While "pointed" often carries a negative connotation of being critical or sharp, it can also simply mean direct and to the point. The tone is heavily influenced by the context in which it's used.

What's the difference between "pointed" and "sharp" when describing criticism?

"Sharp" generally implies a cutting or biting quality in criticism, while "pointed" suggests directness and focus. A "sharp" remark might be intended to wound, whereas a "pointed" remark aims to address a specific issue directly.