sour point

USAGE SUMMARY

"sour point" is not a commonly used part of speech or phrase in English.
It is not a grammatically correct phrase. You could use the phrase "low point" to mean a difficult or unsatisfactory part of a situation. For example: "After a strong performance throughout the year, his final exam was a real low point for him."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The only sour point for the visitors was a nasty concussion to Brodie Smith, whose head collided with Travis Varcoe's leg in a fourth-quarter tackle.

The Guardian - Sport

The bullpen was a sour point in 2013, but Sean Bennett's return plus the addition of Joe Smith means there's a chance of improvement.

The Guardian - Sport

Unsurprisingly, the widespread coverage of her unsecured email usage was a sour point.

TechCrunch

The one sour point in the day for me was the dismissal of Eoin Morgan.

BBC

The one sour point for Irish, 60-11 winners in their Challenge Cup opener against Italian side Cavalieri a week ago, was a second-half yellow card for winger Yarde.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If her new show, which is two-thirds comedy and one-third rock 'n' roll (it opens with "Holding Out for a Hero" and ends with a souped-up "Little Red Corvette") rambles a bit, it puts its sour points across.

The New York Times - Arts

Moms/daughters, Dads/daughters, Sons/moms, Dads/Sons, mothers-in-law /daughters-in-law, brother/sisters, even close friends; every relationship has its own sour points and those 'better-to-shut-up-than to- talk" moments.

Huffington Post

At some point, though, the partnership went sour.

TechCrunch

"Blow" is structured as a commonplace cautionary tale, with Depp narrating, in a sludgy Boston accent, George's misadventures from the sour end point of his life.

The New Yorker

Studio executives dismiss that view as sour grapes, pointing to their own research.

The New York Times

When relations soured with point guard Stephon Marbury, Walsh refused to waive him and eventually got Marbury to give back $2.2 million (of a $20.8 million salary) in a buyout agreement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and grammatically accepted alternatives like "low point" or "sore point" to convey your intended meaning more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "sour point" in formal writing, as it might be perceived as unidiomatic or grammatically incorrect. Instead, opt for established alternatives such as "sore point" or "low point" depending on the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sour point" functions as a noun phrase, attempting to identify a specific negative aspect or issue. Ludwig's analysis suggests that it is not a grammatically correct phrase, and its usage is limited.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sour point" is an attempt to describe something negative, but is not a grammatically correct phrase in English. According to Ludwig, it is better to use established phrases such as "low point" or "sore point" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Although it appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, its infrequent usage and non-standard nature suggest that writers should opt for more conventional alternatives to effectively convey their intended meaning. Using such established phrases will enhance clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant aspect

Focuses on the disagreeable nature of the issue.

negative element

Highlights the adverse or detrimental component of a situation.

troublesome issue

Emphasizes the problematic and bothersome nature of the matter.

contentious matter

Indicates a subject of dispute and disagreement.

irritating detail

Points to a minor but frustrating aspect.

disagreeable feature

Highlights the unpleasant or offensive quality.

problematic detail

Highlights a specific troublesome element.

undesirable element

Emphasizes the unwanted nature of something.

vexing issue

Highlights the matter that causes annoyance or frustration.

unsettling aspect

Indicates an element that creates unease or anxiety.

FAQs

What does "sour point" mean?

While not a standard English phrase, "sour point" seems intended to convey a negative or unpleasant aspect. It is better to use established phrases like "low point" or "sore point" to ensure clarity.

What can I say instead of "sour point"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "low point", "sore point", or "unpleasant aspect".

Is "sour point" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, "sour point" is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase in English. Using established alternatives is recommended.

How can I use a similar phrase like "sour point" in a sentence?

Instead of "sour point", try using "sore point": "His constant lateness was a sore point in their relationship." Alternatively, use "low point": "Failing the exam was a low point in his academic career."