pointing to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pointing to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a direction, reference, or highlight something specific in a discussion or text. Example: "The data is pointing to a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Sit," said She, pointing to the couch.

The Economist

She was pointing to her heart.

The New York Times

That's us pointing to the clouds.

The New Yorker

"Awicha," Ilasaca said, pointing to one.

The New Yorker

Here!" he shouted, pointing to his head.

The New York Times

I'm just pointing to gradations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

I pointed to one.

The New Yorker

"It points to trouble".

The New York Times - Books

Mam pointed to Dad.

The New Yorker

He pointed to another.

The New York Times

He pointed to Jean Paul.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pointing to" when you want to direct attention to something specific, whether it's a physical object, a piece of evidence, or an idea. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being pointed to.

Common error

Avoid using "pointing to" without a clear antecedent. Ensure it's immediately obvious what the phrase is referring to, to prevent confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pointing to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig, it's used to indicate direction, reference, or highlight a specific element in a discussion or text.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pointing to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate direction, reference, or highlight specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While synonyms like "indicating" or "referring to" can be used, it's crucial to maintain clarity in references to avoid vagueness. With a neutral register, "pointing to" is suitable for both formal and informal communication, making it a valuable tool in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicating

This alternative is a more general term for showing or signifying something.

referring to

This alternative specifically means making a reference to something.

alluding to

This alternative suggests a more indirect or subtle reference.

drawing attention to

This alternative emphasizes the act of making something noticeable.

highlighting

This alternative focuses on emphasizing a particular aspect.

suggesting

This alternative implies a hint or indirect indication.

denoting

This alternative indicates a more formal and explicit meaning.

signifying

This alternative conveys a symbolic or deeper meaning.

evidencing

This alternative means providing evidence or proof of something.

attesting to

This alternative indicates a formal declaration or confirmation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "pointing to" is used to direct attention to something, indicate a direction, or suggest evidence. Example: "The data is "pointing to" a significant increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to "pointing to"?

You can use alternatives like "indicating", "referring to", or "highlighting", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pointing at" instead of "pointing to"?

While "pointing at" is grammatically correct and often used when referring to a physical object, "pointing to" is more versatile and can be used for abstract concepts as well. However, the best fit is determined by context.

What's the difference between "pointing to" and "hinting at"?

"Pointing to" is more direct, suggesting a clear indication or direction. "Hinting at", on the other hand, is more subtle and indirect, implying something without explicitly stating it.