points

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "points" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular idea or measure in a discussion, such as a point of view, counterpoint, or score, or to describe a physical location on a map, chart, or graph. Example sentence: The graph clearly points to a decreasing trend in sales over the past quarter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had everything else: more than 30 shots, one red card, three penalties, none of which were, three very particular celebrations, points proven, and 10 goals.

The Guardian - Sport

The NAO points out that many pensioners don't understand them.

The Economist

Here are the key points.

The New York Times

By eight points, 45% to 37%, people agree the party "has enough talented people to form a government".

The Guardian

Another explanation for the drop in unemployment in some states could be that workers are giving up on the job search, points out David Cooper of the Economic Policy Institute.

The Guardian - Money

Fremantle overcame a late scare to beat Sydney by 14 points in their Anzac Day AFL clash at Domain Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

But seven unanswered goals from the Swans closed the margin to just three points midway through the final term, ensuring for a frantic finish.

The Guardian - Sport

The Lib Dems finished behind the Greens, who polled 1,692 (4.2%, up 2.7 percentage points).

The Guardian

It is possible to choose free-range over factory-produced eggs even in convenience stores; much harder to opt to pay a premium of a couple of pounds for a T-shirt that comes with ethical plus points.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, Thomas points to a lack of critical discussion and explanation of the very basis for Prevent's community work, the rationale for how some areas are selected rather than others, and a lack of transparency about the proportion of spending on combating different types of extremism.

The Guardian

Myler landed another penalty but Saracens are adept at winning games even when they do not have much of the ball and Hodgson, who is the Premiership's highest points scorer, at least reminded Lancaster that he should be still in his thoughts when he picks his team for Paris.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "points" to refer to arguments or ideas, ensure they are clearly defined and supported with evidence to strengthen your position.

Common error

Avoid using "points" vaguely. Always ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to scores, arguments, or locations to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "points" is as a plural noun, often used to represent countable items such as scores, arguments, or specific locations. Ludwig examples confirm its varied usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "points" functions primarily as a plural noun, commonly used to denote scores in sports, crucial arguments, or specific locations. As highlighted by Ludwig, its versatility allows for broad application across diverse fields. The term exhibits a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication, being frequently used in news and media. To ensure clarity, it's essential to consider the context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "key aspects" or "main issues" can be used for variety. Remember to always define clearly the "points" you present in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key aspects

Focuses on essential elements rather than general ideas.

crucial elements

Stresses indispensable components of a situation or argument.

main issues

Highlights the primary problems or subjects under discussion.

significant arguments

Highlights the main arguments being presented.

important factors

Draws attention to relevant influences or considerations.

vital considerations

Emphasizes important aspects that must be taken into account.

significant details

Emphasizes the importance of specific information.

essential items

Highlights critical components needed for a specific purpose.

score

Specifically refers to a numerical value in a game or competition.

mark

Can refer to a grade or a specific location.

FAQs

How can I use "points" in a sentence?

You can use "points" to refer to scores in games, important arguments in a discussion, or specific locations on a map. For example, "The team scored several "points" in the final quarter" or "She made valid "points" during the debate".

What are some synonyms for "points" when discussing arguments?

When discussing arguments, you can use alternatives like "key aspects", "main issues", or "significant details" instead of "points".

How does the meaning of "points" change depending on the context?

The meaning of "points" can vary significantly based on the context. It can refer to numerical scores, specific arguments, or geographical locations. Always ensure the context clarifies which meaning is intended to prevent misinterpretation.

Which is correct, "the points is" or "the points are"?

The correct phrase is "the "points are"" because "points" is a plural noun and requires a plural verb.