what's the point

USAGE SUMMARY

"What's the point?" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask someone to explain the purpose of something. For example: "What's the point of doing this exercise if I'm not going to use the information?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"What's the point otherwise?" Kasparov said.

The New Yorker

It was like: What's the point?

The New Yorker

And what's the point?

The New York Times

Otherwise, what's the point?

The New York Times

Then what's the point?

Independent

But what's the point?

The New York Times

What's the point, even?

The New Yorker

"Yes, well, what's the point?

Independent

What's the point of them?

The New York Times

"If not, what's the point?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sadness of what's-the-point?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what's the point" when you want to express doubt or question the value, purpose, or justification of an action, idea, or situation. It can convey a sense of skepticism, frustration, or disinterest.

Common error

Avoid using "what's the point" when seeking specific instructions or details. It's best suited for questioning overall value, not requesting step-by-step guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's the point" functions as an interrogative expression, used to question the reason, purpose, or value of something. It often indicates skepticism or doubt, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what's the point" is a commonly used interrogative expression that questions the purpose, value, or reason behind something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it often conveys skepticism or doubt and is typically used in neutral to informal contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's important to consider the potential tone and ensure it aligns with your intended message. While generally acceptable, avoid using it in situations that require a more formal or supportive tone. Alternatives like "what is the purpose" or "why bother" can be used to achieve a similar effect depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the purpose

Replaces 'point' with a more formal synonym 'purpose'.

what's the use

Uses 'use' instead of 'point', implying a lack of practical value.

why bother

Expresses a similar sentiment of futility but is more concise.

what does it matter

Shifts the focus to the lack of significance or consequence.

why should I care

Highlights a lack of personal investment or concern.

is there any reason to

A more verbose way of questioning the justification for an action.

what's the advantage

Focuses on the potential benefits or gains, questioning if they exist.

where's the value in that

Emphasizes the absence of worth or merit in something.

what good will it do

Highlights the potential lack of positive outcomes or impact.

what are we trying to achieve

Shifts focus to desired result instead of questioning the aim itself.

FAQs

How to use "what's the point" in a sentence?

"What's the point" is used to question the purpose or value of something. For example, "What's the point of studying if I'm not going to use this information?"

What can I say instead of "what's the point"?

You can use alternatives like "what's the purpose", "why bother", or "what does it matter" depending on the context.

Is "what's the point" informal?

While "what's the point" is generally considered informal, it's widely accepted in everyday conversation and writing. More formal alternatives include "what is the objective" or "what is the rationale".

When is it inappropriate to use "what's the point"?

Avoid using "what's the point" in situations that require a respectful or supportive tone, such as offering condolences or providing encouragement. In these contexts, it might come across as dismissive or insensitive.