they pointed out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they pointed out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone highlighting or bringing attention to a specific fact or issue. Example: "During the meeting, they pointed out the discrepancies in the report that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unemployment, they pointed out, remained high.

The New York Times

Counter-strategies, they pointed out, are already being devised.

The New Yorker

They pointed out that Graeme attends an expensive private school.

The New York Times

Thomas, they pointed out, is four years into his job.

The New York Times - Sports

They pointed out gamblers voluntarily risk their money.

The New York Times

My colleagues were supportive; they pointed out ways to improve and do things differently.

University of California, Berkeley

They pointed out that this is something simple Geiger counters cannot do.

University of California, Berkeley

They pointed out that he had brought much-needed money and attention to the district.

The New York Times

They pointed out that expected inflation automatically raises market interest rates.

The New York Times

After all, they pointed out, it is still less than two weeks into the season.

The New York Times

They pointed out professionals — lawyers, teachers, doctors — and men who had died under torture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they pointed out", ensure the context clearly identifies who 'they' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they pointed out" when a more direct and active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For instance, instead of "It was pointed out that...", try "They pointed out that...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they pointed out" functions as a reporting verb phrase, used to introduce a statement or observation made by a group of people. It indicates that the individuals in question brought something to someone's attention. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they pointed out" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information highlighted by a group. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Alternatives like "they noted" or "they indicated" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Ensure clarity by specifying who "they" refers to, and avoid overuse in passive constructions. With its prevalence in authoritative sources, mastering the use of "they pointed out" is key to effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they indicated

Replaces "pointed out" with a more neutral term for mentioning something.

they noted

Similar to "pointed out" but with less emphasis; simply to make a note of something.

they emphasized

Conveys a stronger sense of importance than "pointed out".

they highlighted

Suggests drawing special attention to something, like using a highlighter.

they drew attention to

More formal and descriptive than "pointed out".

they called attention to

Similar to 'drew attention to', indicating a deliberate act of making something noticeable.

they specified

Implies providing more detail than simply "pointing out".

they clarified

Suggests making something clearer or easier to understand.

they brought up

Indicates introducing a topic or fact into a conversation or discussion.

they mentioned

A general way of saying they referred to something, without necessarily emphasizing it.

FAQs

What does "they pointed out" mean?

The phrase "they pointed out" means that a group of people brought something to someone's attention, often a specific detail, fact, or issue.

How can I use "they pointed out" in a sentence?

You can use "they pointed out" to introduce information that a group of people highlighted. For example, "They pointed out that the budget had been significantly reduced."

What are some alternatives to "they pointed out"?

Alternatives include "they noted", "they indicated", or "they mentioned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who "they" refers to when using "they pointed out"?

Yes, it's important to ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to. If it's ambiguous, consider rephrasing the sentence to avoid confusion or naming the group explicitly. If you don't name the group it could be seen as the logical fallacy appeal to authority.