stick to the point

USAGE SUMMARY

"stick to the point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone should remain focused on the primary issue at hand. For example: "Let's stick to the point and discuss the budget before we move on to other topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Does your writing stick to the point?

The Guardian

The medium forces one to stick to the point.

The New York Times

2. Stick to the point with your praise.

The Washington Post

(Rare) To stick to the point during a family argument".

The Guardian - Books

You stick to the point, as researcher, author and reader.

The New York Times - Science

May I suggest that you elevate your concern for America a notch or two and stick to the point.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Washington wants the Russian President to stick to the points hammered out last Friday by Western foreign ministers and the Russian Foreign Minister, Yevgeny M. Primakov.

The New York Times

Stick to the points you make, but do acknowledge that the writer is free to accept or reject any of your points as he or she sees fit.

WikiHow

Hadreas sticks to the point, even when it's a weird point.

The New Yorker

Naturally, good old Norman was challenged on the ecclesiastical niceties of his assertion, but he stuck to the point.

The Guardian

In his first few seasons with Golden State, he stuck to the point guard manual, mixing work around the basket with mid-range jumpers and three-pointers.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing or speaking, prepare an outline to help you "stick to the point" and avoid unnecessary tangents.

Common error

Avoid including excessive background information or tangential details that distract from your main message. Irrelevant details can dilute your argument and confuse your audience. Prioritize clarity and relevance to keep your message focused and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to the point" primarily functions as an imperative, advising someone to remain focused and relevant in their communication or actions. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to emphasize maintaining focus on the primary issue at hand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick to the point" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that advises maintaining focus and relevance in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for emphasizing the primary issue at hand. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, including news, wiki articles, and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid unnecessary tangents to maintain an impactful message. Related alternatives include "remain focused" and "stay on topic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay on topic

Highlights adherence to the subject matter, without necessarily implying conciseness.

avoid digressions

Suggests preventing straying from the main subject, focusing on prevention rather than positive action.

remain focused

Focuses on maintaining concentration, omitting the aspect of relevance.

keep it relevant

Emphasizes relevance but not necessarily focus.

concentrate on the essentials

Similar to staying focused, this emphasizes prioritizing core elements.

be concise

Focuses on brevity and directness, missing the element of topical relevance.

cut to the chase

Suggests getting straight to the important information, without any preliminaries.

get to the heart of the matter

Implies identifying the core issue, not simply maintaining focus.

be direct

Focuses on clarity and straightforwardness, missing the element of topical relevance.

address the key issue

Highlights tackling the primary problem, not necessarily staying on topic.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "stick to the point" in writing?

Start with a clear thesis statement, create an outline to structure your thoughts, and eliminate any information that doesn't directly support your main argument. Regularly review your work to ensure it remains focused and concise.

What are some strategies for "sticking to the point" during a presentation?

Prepare a detailed agenda, practice your delivery to ensure you stay within the allotted time, and use visual aids to reinforce your key messages. Be prepared to politely redirect questions that lead away from the main topic.

What does it mean to "stay on topic" and how does it relate to "stick to the point"?

Staying on topic is similar to "sticking to the point", but it emphasizes maintaining focus on the subject matter at hand. Sticking to the point may also include being concise and avoiding unnecessary details.

When is it appropriate to deviate from "sticking to the point" in a conversation?

While it's generally best to "stick to the point" for clarity, occasional and brief deviations can be acceptable in informal conversations to build rapport or provide necessary context, as long as you eventually return to the main topic.