pointing out

USAGE SUMMARY

"pointing out" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to bring attention to a particular fact or detail to emphasize something. For example: "She pointed out that the company was facing a severe financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's pointing out the obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

He began pointing out traffic violators.

The New Yorker

As Scott Brown kept pointing out.

The New York Times

And pointing out that Reading Is Fun!

The New Yorker

Democrats pushed back, pointing out that A.T.F.

The New York Times

This man refused, pointing out disadvantages.

The New Yorker

"They're pointing out A.T.M.s," Francis said.

The New Yorker

Look, she said, pointing out the window.

Columbia University

Thanks, Karl, for pointing out the mistake.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thank you for pointing out the mistake.

Harvard University

Thanks for pointing out the get_loc method.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pointing out" to gently correct or clarify information, rather than to directly criticize.

Common error

Avoid using "pointing out" excessively in arguments, as it can come across as condescending or dismissive. Instead, focus on presenting evidence and reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pointing out" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically the present participle of the verb "point out". It is used to draw attention to a particular detail or fact, as supported by Ludwig examples where it's used to highlight mistakes, interesting facts, or obvious details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

32%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pointing out" is a versatile verb phrase used to draw attention to specific details or facts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English, suitable for clarifying, correcting, or simply highlighting noteworthy information. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news articles and academic papers to everyday conversations. While common, be mindful of overuse, especially in argumentative contexts, to avoid sounding condescending. Alternatives like "highlighting" or "bringing attention to" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Highlighting

Focuses on emphasizing specific aspects, rather than just mentioning them.

Bringing attention to

More formal and direct, emphasizing the act of making something noticeable.

Calling attention to

Similar to bringing attention to, but can imply a more urgent or critical focus.

Indicating

A more subtle way of showing or suggesting something without explicitly stating it.

Drawing attention

This option provides a less common variation of "bringing attention to" or "calling attention to".

Stating

A more direct and declarative way of presenting information.

Noting

Implies a brief mention or observation of something.

Mentioning

A more casual way of referring to something.

Emphasizing

Focuses on stressing the importance or significance of something.

Underlining

Similar to highlighting, but can also imply a more forceful assertion.

FAQs

How can I use "pointing out" in a sentence?

You can use "pointing out" to draw attention to a specific detail or fact. For example, "She was "pointing out" the flaws in the design."

What are some alternatives to "pointing out"?

Alternatives to "pointing out" include "highlighting", "bringing attention to", or "calling attention to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "pointing out"?

No, "pointing out" is not always necessary. Sometimes, a more direct statement is more effective. The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "pointing out" and "stating"?

"Pointing out" often implies drawing attention to something specific that might have been overlooked, while "stating" is a more general declaration of a fact or opinion.