pointed them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pointed them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to directing someone's attention or indicating a specific object or direction to a group of people. Example: "During the meeting, she pointed them towards the new project guidelines displayed on the screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Satsky pointed them out.

The New York Times - Food

Ms. Jones giggled and pointed them inside.

The New York Times

She pointed them out in the bedroom.

The New Yorker

Their real estate agent pointed them toward Three Rivers.

The New York Times

Coral pointed them towards the shorter race, where he is their 4-1 favourite.

Independent

Susan Meyer held the cheatgrass stem with one hand and pointed them out with the other.

The New York Times - Science

He asked about the White House and Pentagon, and she pointed them out.

The New York Times

When the police arrested her, the accomplice pointed them to Ms. Carroll.

The New York Times

Then in private, sermons and lectures pointed them in the direction of violent jihad.

The Guardian

Mr. Torricelli said he noticed the men trailing them and pointed them out to Ms. Duff.

The New York Times

Audiard says he never noticed the similarities; it was his editor who pointed them out.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative verbs like "directed", "indicated", or "guided" to provide a more nuanced meaning depending on the specific context.

Common error

A common mistake is using "pointed them" without a clear antecedent for "them". To avoid confusion, make sure the referent is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text. For example, instead of saying 'The guide pointed them to the trail', say 'The guide pointed the hikers to the trail'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pointed them" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'pointed' is the verb indicating the action of directing or indicating, and 'them' is a pronoun serving as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pointed them" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to direct attention or provide guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its frequent usage in news and media contexts. While versatile, clarity regarding the referent of 'them' is crucial. Alternatives like "directed them" or "indicated them" can offer nuanced meanings. Mastering its proper usage enhances precision in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed them

This is a more formal and direct synonym for guiding or showing the way.

indicated them

Implies showing or making something known, less forceful than 'directed'.

showed them

A simpler, more general term for pointing out something.

guided them

Suggests leading someone, providing direction or assistance along a path.

steered them

Suggests guiding someone in a specific direction, often used when there are obstacles or choices.

signaled to them

Emphasizes the use of a signal or sign to convey direction or information.

drew their attention to

Highlights the act of making someone notice something specific.

brought them to

Suggests physically leading someone to a place or object.

alerted them to

Emphasizes warning or informing someone about something important.

made them aware of

Focuses on the act of informing or educating someone about something.

FAQs

How can I use "pointed them" in a sentence?

You can use "pointed them" to indicate directing someone's attention or showing a specific direction. For example: "The guide "directed them" to the correct path" or "She "indicated them" to the relevant document".

What are some alternatives to "pointed them"?

Alternatives include "guided them", "directed them", "indicated them", "showed them", or "drew their attention to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pointed them to"?

Yes, "pointed them to" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It means directing someone towards a specific location, object, or piece of information.

What is the difference between "pointed them" and "showed them"?

"Showed them" is a more general term meaning to display or present something. "Pointed them" specifically implies directing attention towards something, often by indicating its location or importance. For example, “She "showed them" the exhibit” versus “She "directed them" to the exhibit’s highlights”.