points to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "points to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a reference or indication towards something, often in discussions or analyses. Example: "The data points to a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It points to trouble".

The New York Times - Books

Ritholtz points to Merrill.

The New Yorker

This points to the future".

The New Yorker

But China points to history.

The Economist

He points to several flaws.

The Economist

A few points to make.

The Economist

Boeheim points to another factor.

The New York Times - Sports

"Maybe it points to libertarianism.

The New Yorker

She points to Wills' hairline.

Independent

He points to carmaking Detroit.

The Economist

Points to the deep end.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "points to", ensure that the connection you're drawing is logical and supported by the evidence you present. Avoid making leaps in logic or drawing conclusions that aren't well-substantiated.

Common error

Avoid using "points to" when the evidence is weak or inconclusive. Overstating the strength of the implication can undermine your credibility. Instead, use softer language like "might suggest" or "could indicate".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "points to" functions primarily as a linking verb, connecting a subject with an indication, suggestion, or piece of evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight a relationship or connection between different pieces of information. The examples show how it connects data, evidence, or observations with a conclusion or implication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "points to" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate or suggest something based on evidence or information. Ludwig AI's analysis validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, it serves to draw attention to specific conclusions or implications. While alternatives such as "indicates" and "suggests" exist, "points to" offers a neutral yet effective way to connect data with potential outcomes. Remember to ensure your claims are well-supported and avoid overstating implications when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates

Replaces the phrasal verb with a single verb, maintaining a similar level of formality and directness.

suggests

Similar to "indicates", but carries a slightly weaker connotation of evidence or implication.

highlights

Emphasizes the importance or prominence of something being indicated.

draws attention to

More explicitly focuses on directing someone's awareness to a particular aspect.

alludes to

Implies something indirectly, often without explicitly stating it.

is indicative of

Transforms the phrase into an adjectival form, suitable for describing something as a sign or symptom.

implies

Focuses on the indirect suggestion of something without direct statement.

is a sign of

Highlights that something serves as a signal or indication of a particular condition or state.

directs attention to

Explicitly states the act of guiding focus toward something specific.

is evidence of

Emphasizes the presence of proof or support for a particular claim or conclusion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "points to" is used to suggest or indicate something based on available evidence. For example, "The data "points to" a rise in unemployment" means the data suggests that unemployment is increasing.

What are some alternatives to "points to"?

You can use alternatives like "indicates", "suggests", or "highlights" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the nuance you want to express.

Is it more formal to say "indicates" instead of "points to"?

While both "points to" and "indicates" are acceptable, "indicates" is generally considered more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing. "Points to" can be used in more casual contexts.

What's the difference between "points to" and "implies"?

"Points to" suggests a direction or conclusion based on evidence, while "implies" suggests something indirectly or without explicitly stating it. "The data points to a correlation" versus "His silence implies consent".