was pointed out

USAGE SUMMARY

"was pointed out" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to an action where something or someone was directed or indicated to be noticed or understood. Example: During the tour, the guide pointed out the historical landmarks that were significant to the city's history.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It was pointed out that he did).

The New Yorker

("That was pointed out internally").

The Guardian - Tech

As was pointed out Chandra Rangnath, yoga has four limbs.

Harvard University

They thrilled when Owney Madden was pointed out to them.

The New Yorker

The error was pointed out to the editors only recently.

The New York Times

When it was pointed out to us, we changed it.

Independent

His likability was pointed out even by his detractors.

MIT Technology Review

It was pointed out that he used his left hand.

The New York Times - Sports

The error was pointed out recently by a reader.

The New York Times

When this was pointed out, Mr. Mehta did not disagree.

The New York Times - Arts

When it was pointed out to her, she was amazed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was pointed out", ensure that the context clearly indicates who made the observation or brought the information to light. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was pointed out" excessively without specifying who did the pointing out. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing vague and less engaging. Instead, consider rephrasing to include the actor for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was pointed out" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something brought a particular fact or detail to attention. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and can be used in written English. Examples show it used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was pointed out" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to indicate that information has been previously noted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality and is frequently found in scientific, academic, and news contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure the context clearly identifies who made the observation. Remember, while useful, over-reliance on passive voice without specifying the actor can weaken your writing. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more direct style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was brought to attention

Emphasizes the act of making something noticeable.

was highlighted

Focuses on emphasizing a particular aspect or detail.

was indicated

Suggests a more subtle way of showing or mentioning something.

was mentioned

A general term for bringing something up in conversation or writing.

was noted

Implies that something was formally recorded or observed.

was emphasized

Highlights the importance or significance of something.

was drawn to someone's attention

A more elaborate way of saying something was made noticeable.

was brought to the fore

Indicates that something was given prominence or importance.

was clarified

Suggests that something was made clearer or more understandable.

was revealed

Implies that something was previously hidden or unknown.

FAQs

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

You can use "was pointed out" to introduce information that someone has previously noted or observed. For example, "It "was pointed out" that the study had several limitations."

What are some alternatives to "was pointed out"?

Alternatives include "was brought to attention", "was highlighted", or "was mentioned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when something is "pointed out"?

While "was pointed out" is grammatically correct, using active voice (e.g., "The researcher pointed out...") can make your writing more direct and engaging. However, passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown or less important than the information itself.

What's the difference between "was pointed out" and "was emphasized"?

"Was pointed out" simply means something was brought to someone's attention, whereas "was emphasized" implies that something was given particular importance or prominence.