pointers on how to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pointers on how to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide or request advice or guidance on a specific topic or task. Example: "I would appreciate any pointers on how to improve my public speaking skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Soung, a gifted artist, gave Dante pointers on how to draw.

The New York Times

One column provided hitchhiking advice; another gave pointers on how to ride free in boxcars.

The New York Times

Here are some pointers on how to successfully enter charity retailing.

The Guardian

Gives him a few pointers on how to crystallize the true spirit of genuine American characters.

The New Yorker

The Council on Foreign Relations is ready with some grammatical pointers on how to make subjects and verbs agree.

The New York Times

"We got some other farmers in the region over, and they gave us some pointers on how to do it".

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, certain parts of the guide offer Cosmo-worthy pointers on how to keep the spark alive.

The New Yorker

Monologue of play producer who calls up a publicity agent to give him a few pointers on how to advertise the play he is going to produce.

The New Yorker

She has just written a book on the subject, which gives pointers on how to create a stylish home on a budget.

Independent

James Southerland, a sharpshooting forward, said he will pick McNamara's brain between now and tipoff Saturday to absorb a few pointers on how to handle the moment.

The New York Times

When Mr. Romney was the governor of Massachusetts, Mr. Netanyahu offered him firsthand pointers on how to shrink the size of government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pointers on how to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific task or area where guidance is being provided. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the advice is relevant to the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "pointers on how to" without specifying the subject or goal. Vague advice can be unhelpful; provide specific recommendations tailored to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pointers on how to" serves as a directive, introducing advice or guidance on performing a specific action. As noted by Ludwig AI, the expression is valid in English. It directs the reader or listener towards understanding the methodology or approach for a particular task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pointers on how to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for offering guidance or advice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. It is used across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While versatile, specifying the context of the advice is crucial for clarity. Alternatives like "tips on how to" or "guidance on how to" may be more appropriate depending on the situation and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tips on how to

Replaces "pointers" with "tips", a more informal synonym.

advice on how to

Substitutes "pointers" with "advice", focusing on guidance.

guidance on how to

Replaces "pointers" with "guidance", suggesting a more comprehensive direction.

suggestions on how to

Emphasizes offering ideas rather than direct instructions.

recommendations on how to

Highlights providing endorsed actions.

instructions on how to

Shifts the focus to a more directive approach.

insights on how to

Focuses on providing deeper understanding for action.

clues on how to

Suggests uncovering hidden solutions.

indications on how to

Highlights signs or signals for a process.

lessons on how to

Implies a structured learning experience.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "pointers on how to"?

You can use alternatives like "tips on how to", "advice on how to", or "guidance on how to" depending on the context.

How do I use "pointers on how to" in a sentence?

Use "pointers on how to" when you are offering suggestions or direction for accomplishing a task. For instance, "The article offers "pointers on how to" improve your study habits".

Is "pointers on how to" formal or informal?

The phrase "pointers on how to" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "guidance on how to" may be more suitable for formal settings.

What's the difference between "pointers on how to" and "instructions on how to"?

"Pointers on how to" implies suggestions and advice, while "instructions on how to" suggests a more directive and step-by-step approach. The choice depends on whether you're giving general advice or specific directions.