to pinpoint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to pinpoint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to identify or locate something with precision. Example: "The researchers were able to pinpoint the exact location of the missing artifact after extensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Women are tougher to pinpoint).

The New York Times

It's hard to pinpoint.

The New York Times - Arts

It is impossible to pinpoint it.

The Economist

Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint why.

Independent

Exact trade figures are difficult to pinpoint.

The New York Times

It's hard to pinpoint what is illegal".

The New Yorker

Hoddenbach's ethnicity is hard to pinpoint.

The New York Times - Magazine

She refused to pinpoint the exact location.

The New York Times

There is no simple test to pinpoint those at risk.

The New York Times

It's easy to pinpoint why the world went Mushy-mad.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What he's lost, if anything, is hard to pinpoint.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to pinpoint" when you need to emphasize the precision of an identification or location. For example, instead of saying "find the error", use "pinpoint the error" to stress the need for accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "to pinpoint" in very casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "to find" or "to locate" would sound more natural. The phrase carries a degree of formality that may seem out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to pinpoint" is as an infinitive verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to describe the action of identifying something with great accuracy or precision, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to pinpoint" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies identifying or locating something with great accuracy. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most commonly found in news and media sources, followed by scientific contexts. While its use is generally appropriate, it's best to avoid it in very informal settings where simpler alternatives would suffice. Alternatives like "to identify precisely" or "to locate exactly" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's strength lies in emphasizing the precision of identification, making it valuable in contexts where accuracy is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to identify precisely

Focuses on identification with an emphasis on precision.

to locate exactly

Emphasizes the act of finding the exact location.

to determine accurately

Highlights the process of establishing something with accuracy.

to specify clearly

Focuses on making something specific in a clear manner.

to define precisely

Highlights the act of defining with accuracy.

to establish definitively

Emphasizes the act of establishing something without doubt.

to discern with accuracy

Focuses on perceiving or recognizing something with accuracy.

to detect accurately

Highlights the act of discovering or noticing something with accuracy.

to ascertain exactly

Emphasizes the process of finding something out for certain.

to diagnose accurately

Focuses on identifying a disease or problem accurately.

FAQs

How can I use "to pinpoint" in a sentence?

You can use "to pinpoint" when you want to express identifying something with great precision. For instance, "Scientists are working to pinpoint the exact cause of the disease".

What can I say instead of "to pinpoint"?

You can use alternatives like "to identify precisely", "to locate exactly", or "to determine accurately" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to pinpoint" or "pinpoint"?

"To pinpoint" is the infinitive form of the verb. "Pinpoint" can function as a verb in other tenses (e.g., "They pinpointed the problem") or as an adjective (e.g., "pinpoint accuracy").

What's the difference between "to pinpoint" and "to locate"?

"To pinpoint" implies a higher degree of accuracy and precision compared to "to locate". While "to locate" simply means to find something, "to pinpoint" suggests finding it with exactness.