really the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the main idea or essence of a discussion or argument. Example: "While there are many factors to consider, the question of fairness is really the point of this debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

isn't really the point.

The New York Times

That's really the point.

The Guardian

That was not really the point.

The Economist

But that is not really the point.

BBC

Yet liking is not really the point.

The Economist

But that's not really the point.

The New York Times

Security, however, isn't really the point.

The New York Times

Trudeau? – isn't really the point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he is not really the point.

The New York Times

And that, Chairless, is really the point.

The New York Times

Practicality is not really the point.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to emphasize the underlying reason or purpose behind an action or decision, particularly when surface explanations are misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "really the point" excessively in casual conversations. Overusing this phrase can make your speech sound overly emphatic or even condescending in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really the point" functions as an emphatic identifier of the core issue in a discussion or situation. It serves to highlight what is most important, often when other details are distracting or obscuring the central concern. Ludwig examples confirm its role in refocusing attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really the point" is a frequently used phrase to emphasize the central idea or issue, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed to refocus conversations and highlight significance. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the formality of the setting to prevent misuse or overuse. Alternative phrases like "truly the essence" or "the crux of the matter" can be employed for variety or greater formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly the essence

Focuses more intensely on the core, most vital aspect.

genuinely the main issue

Highlights authenticity and centrality to the matter.

the crux of the matter

Emphasizes the most crucial or decisive point at issue.

the heart of the matter

Stresses the emotional or fundamental core.

the central aspect

Identifies the primary feature or element.

the key element

Highlights the most important component.

fundamentally the question

Indicates a basic or essential inquiry.

essentially the problem

Points out the inherent challenge or difficulty.

at its core

Refers to the most basic and important part.

boiled down to

Implies simplification to the most important element.

FAQs

How can I use "really the point" in a sentence?

You can use "really the point" to emphasize the most important aspect of a discussion or argument. For example, "The cost is secondary; ethical considerations are "really the point"".

What's a more formal way to say "really the point"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the crux of the matter", "the central issue", or "the heart of the matter" instead of "really the point".

Is it ever incorrect to use "really the point"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "really the point" if the context requires a more nuanced or detailed explanation. It's best suited for situations where you want to bring focus to a singular, overriding concern.

What are some alternatives to "really the point" that don't sound repetitive?

To avoid repetition, try varying your phrasing with options like "essentially", "fundamentally", or "at its core" instead of always using "really the point". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.