points of earmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "points of earmark" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing specific markers or indicators, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "The points of earmark in the report highlight the key areas of concern for the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

and the key points of earmark reform.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some critics have also pointed to earmarks in the bill, including a tax break for racehorse owners added by the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and $170 million to benefit the salmon industry inserted by House Democrats from the West Coast.

The New York Times

The Senate passed a bill requiring disclosure of earmark sponsors.

Forbes

The rules also limit the types of earmark requests allowed".

Huffington Post

He pointed to the disappearance of earmarks: after the 2010 Republican landslide, Congress eliminated the old system in which members could target a small amount of the budget to specific programmes in their own districts.

The Economist

Rand Paul has made a ban on wasteful earmark spending in Washington D.C. one of the key points of his campaign.

Huffington Post

One of the selling points of legalization is that states can take a cut of what will be, according to estimates, a $35 billion to $45 billion industry and earmark some of these new tax revenues for good causes.

The New York Times

As one example, supporters pointed to the earmarking of tens of millions of dollars in the 1990s to General Atomics and other military contractors for early development of what became the Predator program, the unmanned drones now used frequently in airstrikes in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Transparency in the use of earmarked funding for AMT at hospital level could be improved.

BMJ Open

The moderator, John King, asked if there were any earmarks Mr. Santorum regretted and, pointing out that Mr. Santorum has attacked Mr. Romney over earmarks he secured to help the 2002 Olympics, he asked if Mr. Santorum thought the Salt Lake City Olympics were an improper use of earmarks.

The New York Times

He asked if there were any earmarks Mr. Santorum regretted and, pointing out that Mr. Santorum has attacked Mr. Romney over earmarks he secured to help the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he asked if Mr. Santorum thought the Olympics were an improper use of earmarks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing the phrase with similar ones that are more frequently used and understood, such as "essential attributes" or "defining traits", depending on the context you are aiming to convey.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "points of earmark" due to its limited and inconsistent usage. Opt for clearer alternatives to prevent confusion among readers. Consider what specific aspect of the earmark you are trying to highlight and choose a more descriptive term accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points of earmark" attempts to identify specific features or elements associated with earmarks. However, its non-standard usage and lack of widespread adoption make it a less effective way to convey this meaning. As Ludwig AI highlights, there may be better alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "points of earmark" is not a standard or frequently used expression. While it attempts to specify features or elements of earmarks, it's generally advisable to use clearer and more common alternatives such as "key features", "essential aspects", or "defining traits". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically questionable, and its limited usage across authoritative sources supports this assessment. For clarity and consistency, prefer established terms when discussing earmarks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key features of earmarking

Replaces "points" with "features", focusing on the main aspects of the earmarking process.

main characteristics of earmarks

Substitutes "points" with "characteristics", highlighting the distinguishing attributes of earmarks.

essential attributes of earmarks

Uses "attributes" instead of "points", emphasizing the inherent qualities of earmarks.

defining traits of earmarking

Replaces "points" with "traits", focusing on the qualities that define earmarking.

significant aspects of earmark allocation

Rephrases to focus on the important elements of how earmarks are allocated.

critical elements of earmarked funds

Highlights the most important components of earmarked funds.

principal factors in earmark decisions

Focuses on the main considerations that influence earmark decisions.

central tenets of earmark policy

Emphasizes the core principles that underlie earmark policy.

fundamental components of earmark projects

Refers to the basic parts that make up earmark projects.

notable aspects of earmarked spending

Highlights significant or remarkable elements related to how earmarked funds are spent.

FAQs

What does "earmark" mean in government spending?

In government spending, an "earmark" refers to a specific allocation of funds to a particular project, often at the request of a member of Congress. It directs funds to a very specific recipient, bypassing typical competitive allocation processes.

What are some alternatives to "points of earmark"?

Consider using terms like "key aspects of earmarking", "essential attributes of earmarks", or "defining traits of earmarking". These alternatives provide clearer and more commonly understood descriptions.

How can I use the term "earmark" correctly in a sentence?

You might say, "The senator secured an earmark for the construction of a new bridge" or "Earmarks allow legislators to direct funds to specific projects in their districts".

Why is the phrase "points of earmark" not commonly used?

The phrase "points of earmark" is not standard because it's less direct and may not clearly convey the intended meaning. More common phrases like "key features" or "essential aspects" are generally preferred for their clarity and wider acceptance.