the former points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the former points" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer back to previously mentioned points or arguments in a discussion or text. Example: "In conclusion, the former points highlight the importance of sustainability in our business practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

The Nets may also be interested in Chris Childs, the former point guard with the Knicks, the Nets and the Raptors, Thorn said.

The New York Times - Sports

On the former point, I don't think any publication – not the Guardian, not Mumble Comedy – has a divine right to free tickets.

The Guardian

And to take his mind off the painful and narrowing road back, the former point guard bought a couple of inexpensive racehorses.

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

The N.C.A.A. placed the Purdue women's team on two years' probation yesterday after it determined that Katrina Merriweather, a former assistant, wrote a paper for the former point guard Cherelle George and made more than 100 illegal recruiting calls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the former points", ensure there is a clear and unambiguous reference to what was previously mentioned to avoid confusion. If there are more than two points, consider numbering them for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the former points" if the points being referenced are not immediately clear or are too far back in the text. This can lead to reader confusion. Instead, reiterate the specific points or use numbered references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the former points" functions as a referential expression, specifically an anaphoric reference. It points back to previously mentioned items or arguments. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the former points" is a grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to previously mentioned ideas or arguments. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase's relatively low frequency suggests it is not an everyday expression. It is often found in news, science, and formal business contexts where precision is important. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference is clear to avoid confusing the reader. Alternatives such as "the previous arguments" or "the aforementioned reasons" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous arguments

Uses "previous" instead of "former" offering a similar temporal reference.

the above arguments

Replaces "former" with "above" indicating arguments presented earlier in a text.

the earlier remarks

Replaces "points" with "remarks", slightly changing the context to emphasize spoken rather than written arguments.

the preceding arguments

Substitutes "former" with "preceding", indicating a temporal order of arguments.

the foregoing arguments

Uses "foregoing" instead of "former" to denote what has been said before.

the first considerations

Replaces "former" with "first" and "points" with "considerations", suggesting an initial set of ideas.

the aforementioned reasons

Replaces "former" with "aforementioned" and "points" with "reasons" providing a formal tone.

the initial assertions

Replaces "former" with "initial" and "points" with "assertions", conveying a sense of declaration.

the identified issues

Replaces "points" with "issues", shifting the focus to identified problems or matters.

the stated reasons

Substitutes "former points" with "stated reasons", emphasizing the reasons that were expressed.

FAQs

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

Use "the former points" to refer back to ideas or arguments you've already introduced. For example, "Both options have merits; however, "the former points" are more aligned with our long-term goals".

What's a good alternative to "the former points"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the previous arguments", "the aforementioned reasons", or "the stated reasons".

Is it better to say "the former points" or "the previous points"?

Both "the former points" and "the previous points" are acceptable. "Former" is slightly more formal, while "previous" is more commonly used in general conversation.

When should I avoid using "the former points"?

Avoid using "the former points" if it's unclear what you're referring to or if the points are too far back in the text. In such cases, it's better to restate the points for clarity.