that points to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that points to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a reference or indication towards something specific, often in analytical or descriptive contexts. Example: "The data collected from the survey that points to a significant trend in consumer behavior will be discussed in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a humiliating message that points to a discriminatory culture.

The New York Times

If the EU wants to be a serious global actor, that points to a world figure.

The Economist

"But there is something in the substance that points to something correct.

The New York Times

In several countries that points to avoiding a referendum at almost any price.

The Economist

— that points to it, but there are a lot of little things that do".

The New York Times

The recent research that points to the health hazards of extended sitting has prompted some standers.

The New York Times

It's a ghostly effect that points to the biographical spine of the film.

The Economist

Given expected emerging market demand growth, that points to upward pressure on prices.

The Economist

Is there anything that points to bigger future results?

TechCrunch

But he further clarifies its "subject" in a way that points to those principles.

SEP

"There is very little research that points to what makes a good forecaster," says Warnaar.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "that points to" when you want to suggest a likely outcome or explanation, but without stating it as an absolute certainty. It allows for a nuanced approach, recognizing the possibility of alternative interpretations.

Common error

While "that points to" is useful, avoid relying on it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and formulaic. Instead, vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "indicates", "suggests", or "implies" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that points to" functions as a linking expression, connecting a piece of evidence, a trend, or an observation with a conclusion or implication. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a valid and usable phrase in English. Examples in Ludwig shows this clearly, connecting data with possible interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that points to" is a versatile and commonly used linking phrase that connects evidence with implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Analysis of sources reveals its prevalence in news, media, and scientific contexts, as well as general discourse. To enhance your writing, use it strategically to create logical connections, but vary your language to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that indicates

Focuses on direct indication rather than suggestion.

that suggests

Emphasizes a possible conclusion based on available information.

that implies

Highlights a more subtle or indirect indication.

that alludes to

Refers to something indirectly or vaguely.

that hints at

Indicates a subtle clue or suggestion.

that signifies

Highlights something having importance.

that evidences

Stresses that something serves as proof.

that corroborates

Indicates supporting evidence to make something certain.

that is indicative of

A more formal way to express indication.

that bears out

Confirms or supports something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "that points to" connects evidence or observations to a conclusion or implication. For example, "The increase in sales that points to growing consumer confidence" shows how sales data implies confidence. You can use it to highlight relationships between different pieces of information.

What can I say instead of "that points to"?

You can use alternatives like "that indicates", "that suggests", or "that implies" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that points to" or "which points to"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "that points to" is often preferred in restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. "Which points to" is more common in non-restrictive clauses, which provide additional but non-essential information.

How formal is the phrase "that points to"?

The phrase "that points to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility makes it appropriate for academic papers, news articles, and casual conversations. However, in highly formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated synonym.