they are pointless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are pointless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something lacks purpose or significance. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I concluded that they are pointless and do not address the main issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But that does not mean they are pointless.

The Economist

They are pointless.

European Journal of Futures Research

Mr. REBACK: Well, first I don't know that they are pointless.

TechCrunch

"Cash Isas were pointless before, but now they are pointless and unworkable," says Stephen Ford, head of investment management at wealth managers Brewin Dolphin.

The Guardian - Money

When you have prizes for art, you will always have people complaining that prizes are just politics, or that they reward in-group popularity or commercial success, or that they are pointless and offensive because art is not a competition.

The New Yorker

They are not your average kitchen knife or garden tool: they are pointless, OTT [over the top] weapons that glamorise violence with names such as Head Splitter and Death Dagger.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The boys, with their outlandish clothes and useless stolen goods, pay ironic tribute to the values of their fathers; hard work and daring are cherished, as long as they're pointless.

The New Yorker

"They're pointless.

BBC

Mr. ARRINGTON: So you would agree that it – they're pointless.

TechCrunch

I don't mean go easy on them or leave them alone, I mean we should fire them, because they're pointless.

Vice

Sometimes they were terrible, sometimes they were pointless, sometimes they were just too harsh to print.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are pointless" to express that something lacks a clear purpose or benefit. Ensure the context makes it clear what "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly establishing what "they" refers to. If the referent is unclear, the statement "they are pointless" loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are pointless" functions as a declarative statement, expressing an opinion or judgment that something lacks purpose or value. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to dismiss or criticize certain actions, ideas or objects, deeming them worthless.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are pointless" is a commonly used phrase to express that something lacks purpose, value, or significance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is used across various contexts. While it can come across as dismissive, it's widely used in news, media, and everyday conversation. Alternatives include phrases like "they serve no purpose" or "they are futile". When using this phrase, ensure that the referent is clear to avoid ambiguity. Remember that there might be better ways to express this sentiment in a formal setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they serve no purpose

Emphasizes the lack of a function or reason for existence.

they are futile

Highlights the ineffectiveness and lack of success associated with something.

they are without merit

Focuses on the absence of positive qualities or value.

they are a waste of time

Indicates that something is not worth the effort invested.

they are unproductive

Stresses the lack of results or output.

they are inconsequential

Highlights the lack of significance or importance.

they are irrelevant

Emphasizes the lack of connection or relevance to the current situation.

they are needless

Indicates that something is unnecessary or superfluous.

they are expendable

Highlights the characteristic of something to be disposable or easily replaced.

they are valueless

Focuses on the lack of monetary or intrinsic worth.

FAQs

What does "they are pointless" mean?

The phrase "they are pointless" means that something lacks purpose, value, or significance. It suggests that the things being referred to are not worth considering or pursuing.

How can I use "they are pointless" in a sentence?

You can use "they are pointless" to express disapproval or dismissal of certain actions, ideas, or objects. For example, "Trying to argue with him is pointless; he never listens."

What can I say instead of "they are pointless"?

You can use alternatives like "they serve no purpose", "they are futile", or "they are a waste of time" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they are pointless"?

It's appropriate to use "they are pointless" when you want to express that certain actions or ideas will not lead to any positive or meaningful outcome. Be mindful of the tone, as it can come across as dismissive or critical.