touch the point

USAGE SUMMARY

"touch the point" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to physically make contact with or come in contact with a specific point or location. Example: The key to solving this puzzle is to touch the point in the middle of the maze. (Here, "touch the point" is used to indicate the action of physically making contact with a specific point in the maze.).

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

To touch the point, consider the telecommunication systems or the Automatic Speech Recognition systems that lose performance in the presence of interfering sounds [1, 2].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

We recorded the number of prey items captured, where a subject managed to touch the point on the screen at which the moving prey item was located at that time.

BMC Biology

Keeping in touch: The point of being here is to unplug; don't expect TVs, internet access or air-con.

Independent

Touch the point of the stylus to an icon of the folder or the document on the touch screen.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The probes must touch the points simultaneously, which means that there must be a matching between a subset Q of the probes and the collection R of nets.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

When one touches the point of a logic probe to a wire, it responds with either "high" or "low".

Apple I Replica Creation Back to the Garage

Bend the thumb slightly so that the tip touches the point at which the frog meets the rest of the bow, or the "contact point".

WikiHow

Relax and point the tip of your tongue to touch the closest point of your nose.

WikiHow

Then, the robot moves its body both backward and leftward to a different point (A → O'), and forward again to touch the second point B(O' → B).

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Finally, the robot moves its body both backward and upward (B → O''), and forward again to touch the third point C(O'' → C).

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Tell him not to touch the card, point to it, or tell you what it is.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In figurative usage, clearly establish the connection between the 'point' and the concept you are trying to address to prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "touch the point" too frequently in figurative contexts, as it can sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "address the issue" or "get to the heart of the matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch the point" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of physically making contact with a particular point or, figuratively, addressing a specific issue. Ludwig's examples illustrate both literal and metaphorical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "touch the point" is grammatically correct and serves to describe either a physical action of making contact with a specific location or, figuratively, addressing a key element of a topic. As Ludwig confirms, its use ranges from describing physical actions in scientific contexts to emphasizing essential issues in news or general discussions. While "touch the point" is correct, writers should consider context and audience to ensure their intended meaning is clear and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make contact with the spot

This alternative focuses on establishing physical contact with a designated location.

come into contact with the spot

This option emphasizes entering a state of touching the specified location.

tap the location

This suggests a light and quick physical contact.

reach the specific area

This alternative emphasizes arriving or extending to a particular location rather than physically touching it.

address the central issue

This shifts the meaning to addressing a key problem or topic rather than physical contact.

get to the heart of the matter

Focuses on understanding or explaining the core idea, moving away from physical contact.

highlight the core aspect

This alternative is about emphasizing a significant feature or element.

emphasize the essence

This moves to focusing on the crucial aspect or fundamental nature of something.

underscore the key element

Emphasizing the importance of particular part or aspect rather than physically touching.

strike the core of the issue

This alternative represents coming into contact with the main element

FAQs

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

You can use "touch the point" to describe a physical action, such as "Carefully "touch the point" on the screen with the stylus." Or, use it figuratively to mean addressing a key issue, like "The speaker didn't "touch the point" of the argument."

What are some alternatives to "touch the point"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "make contact with the spot" for physical touch or "address the central issue" for figurative touch.

Is it better to say "touch the point" or "get to the point"?

While ""touch the point"" refers to a physical contact with a point or to address a key element of a problem, "get to the point" means to speak directly and avoid unnecessary details. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

Can "touch the point" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""touch the point"" is acceptable in formal writing, especially in technical or scientific contexts where precise physical contact is being described. However, for figurative meanings, consider more formal alternatives like "address the core aspect".