points here and there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "points here and there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is scattered or not focused in a specific direction, often referring to ideas, observations, or locations. Example: "The artist's work features colors that point here and there, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

One or two percentage points here and there.

The New York Times

It'll boil down to a few points here and there.

The New York Times - Sports

It just came down to a few points here and there on his serve.

The Guardian - Sport

Then at the end of it, it was really some points here and there.

The New York Times

His defense leaks points here and there, but his offense generates points in droves.

The New York Times - Sports

"A couple points here and there, that match wouldn't have slipped out of my hands tonight".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

You can find political links only by stretching a point here and there.

The New York Times

It could even go down to the odd bonus point here and there.

The Guardian - Sport

At occurrences of even slight interest, a forest of boom mikes converged, while video cameras pointed here and there promiscuously.

The New Yorker

"Losing after having a match point always hurts, but just a point here and there changed the match.

The Guardian - Sport

"There's always one point here and there, especially in doubles, but yeah, it just didn't go our way and they came up pretty big".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "points here and there" to indicate minor, often insignificant, details or occurrences within a larger context. It is especially useful when precision isn't necessary, and a general sense of distribution is sufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "points here and there" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise and analytical expression is expected. Opt for specific data or detailed descriptions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points here and there" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the presence of something in a scattered or intermittent manner. It suggests a non-uniform distribution or occurrence, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "points here and there" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote scattered or intermittent occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across different contexts, though primarily in news and media. While it effectively conveys a sense of non-uniform distribution, it may be too informal for highly academic writing. Consider alternatives such as "occasional instances" or "scattered details" for more formal settings. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility, highlighting its role in softening claims and acknowledging minor exceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasional instances

Focuses on the infrequency and sporadicity of the occurrences.

scattered details

Emphasizes the dispersed nature of the details being referenced.

sporadic moments

Highlights the irregular and infrequent nature of the moments.

intermittent occurrences

Stresses the stopping and starting nature of the events.

isolated cases

Puts emphasis on the separation and individuality of each case.

random instances

Underlines the lack of a pattern in the occurrences.

odd moments

Emphasizes the strangeness or unusual nature of the moments.

occasional glimpses

Focuses on the fleeting and partial nature of the views.

isolated incidents

Highlights the disconnected and singular nature of the incidents.

scattered sightings

Emphasizes the dispersed and infrequent nature of the sightings.

FAQs

How can I use "points here and there" in a sentence?

Use "points here and there" to describe scattered, infrequent, or minor occurrences. For example: "The data showed a few "points here and there" that deviated from the norm."

What are some alternatives to saying "points here and there"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "occasional instances", "scattered details", or "sporadic moments".

Is it appropriate to use "points here and there" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "points here and there" might be too informal for academic writing. Consider more precise language like "isolated instances" or "scattered data points."

What does "points here and there" typically refer to?

It usually refers to minor details, occurrences, or pieces of information that are not concentrated in one area but are spread out or intermittent.