the former point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the former point" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer back to a previously mentioned point or argument in a discussion or text. Example: "In our previous discussion, we highlighted the importance of sustainability; the former point remains crucial in our decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The former point to the success of rapid pump-priming, made possible by the Communist Party's ownership of the banks.

The New York Times

The former point to the huge cost to the taxpayer of the Iraq war and the Pentagon (see article).

The Economist

"It's the evolution of the game," said the former point guard Greg Anthony, who is now a YES analyst for Nets games.

The New York Times

The Golden State Warriors hired Mark Jackson to replace Keith Smart on Monday, giving the former point guard and television analyst his first N.B.A. head coaching job.

The New York Times

"We believed we could do anything, and we went out and did it," said the former point guard Mark Rodrigues, now 50 and living in California.

The New York Times - Sports

And speaking of things that are off kilter, the former point guard apparently re-marries his wife Jackie every single year on their anniversary.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This weakening is enforced at later stages of the evolution and the former point-like plumes start to merge (hence reducing their total number) and deform to more elongated, sheet-like structures at time t E2.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Thermal analysis and X-ray diffractograms evidenced the occurrence of drug polymer interactions and the former pointed also to an increase in thermal stability due to drug loading.

Carbohydrate Polymers

The tedious distinction between random noise and unstable nonlinearity is worthwhile, because the former points to extrinsic origins of variability, whereas the latter indicates intrinsic origins.

Plosone

Hardaway scored 13 points, equaling the output of Howard Eisley, the Knicks' former point guard, who was also involved in the trade.

The New York Times - Sports

Molly Fischer, who met her now-husband Sam MacLaughlin on the forum, calls the suggestion a former point of contention in her relationship. .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If your writing contains multiple points, ensure you use "the former point" to clearly differentiate between multiple references. This helps to maintain structure and clarity within the document.

Common error

Avoid using "the former point" if there is any ambiguity about which point you are referring to. If there are several points, restate the point briefly or use a more specific reference to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the former point" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a return to a previously discussed idea. It serves to maintain coherence and guide the reader or listener through the logical flow of an argument, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the former point" is a useful phrase for clearly referencing a previously mentioned idea in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Science. Alternatives such as "the preceding point" or "the previous argument" can be used to add variety to your writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity by making sure it's clear which point you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding point

Replaces "former" with "preceding", emphasizing the point's immediate sequence in the discussion.

the previous argument

Substitutes "point" with "argument", highlighting a more developed idea.

the aforementioned point

Uses a more formal term, "aforementioned", to refer to the previously mentioned item.

the earlier consideration

Replaces both "former" and "point" to offer a broader reference to a past topic.

that initial idea

Focuses on the initial presentation of a concept.

the first aspect

Emphasizes that it was the first element.

the original contention

Highlights the point as a central claim or assertion.

the initial premise

Highlights the foundational quality of the point.

the initial consideration

Uses a more verbose and formal substitution

regarding the first matter

Uses a more verbose and formal substitution

FAQs

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

Use "the former point" to refer back to a previously mentioned idea or argument. For example, "We discussed sustainability and cost; "the former point" is critical for our decision."

What are some alternatives to using "the former point"?

Alternatives include "the preceding point", "the previous argument", or "the aforementioned point". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "the former point" when referring back to something?

No, it's not always necessary. Simpler phrases like "as mentioned earlier" or a brief restatement of the point can also work well, especially in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "the former point" and "the latter point"?

"The former point" refers to the first of two things just mentioned, while "the latter point" refers to the second. Use them together to clearly distinguish between two distinct points.