which pointed out that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which pointed out that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that specifies or elaborates on something that was previously mentioned, often in academic or formal writing. Example: "The report, which pointed out that the project was behind schedule, prompted immediate action from the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2009, ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Summit, he was a co-signatory to a letter to Obama which pointed out that clean energy technologies would "spur economic growth, create new energy jobs and increase our energy security".

The Guardian

That prompted a response from WPRFU, which pointed out that it determined the match venue.

The Guardian - Sport

White's reply, which pointed out that "a difference of opinion became suddenly a mark of infamy," won a fan letter back from Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter.

The New Yorker

The goalkeeper's decision to wear 88 caused consternation among Italy's Jewish community, which pointed out that the figure is a neo-Nazi symbol.

The Guardian - Sport

The plan was denounced as illegal by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, which pointed out that the men were being threatened with punishment before conviction.

The Guardian

Within a week, the corporation withdrew the request, under pressure from the Port Authority, which pointed out that the development corporation lacked the power to implement designs.

The New York Times

The Times, which pointed out that Cameron had come clean "at the fifth time of asking", ran a sketch by Patrick Kidd about the TV interview.

The Guardian

The union, which pointed out that these editors do not have power to hire or fire, planed to fight their exclusion from the bargaining unit.

The Guardian

Searle's review – which pointed out that Barlow has taught a generation of younger and arguably more famous artists – ended: "There's a word for this: Wow".

The Guardian - Arts

It also drew complaints from Mercosur governments, which pointed out that their average import tariff, of 13%, is much lower than it used to be and not much different from that elsewhere in Latin America.

The Economist

Detailed reports were denied by the Élysée Palace, which pointed out that "President Hollande has said it is a very important principle that hostage-takers should not be tempted to take others".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which pointed out that", ensure the 'which' clause refers clearly and unambiguously to the noun it modifies to avoid confusion. For instance, "The study, which pointed out that..." is clearer than "It pointed out that...".

Common error

Avoid starting a sentence with "Which pointed out that..." as this creates a dangling clause. The "which" clause should always directly follow the noun it modifies. Instead, rephrase to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which pointed out that" functions as a relative clause, specifically a non-restrictive (or non-defining) relative clause. It adds extra information about a noun that has already been identified. Ludwig confirms that the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which pointed out that" is a grammatically correct relative clause used to add clarifying or emphasizing information to a previously mentioned noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is highly usable in a wide array of contexts. It is most frequently found in "News & Media" and scientific sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the 'which' clause clearly refers to its antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""which indicated that"" or ""which highlighted that"" can be used for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which indicated that

Replaces "pointed out" with "indicated", suggesting a more subtle conveyance of information rather than a direct highlighting.

which highlighted that

Emphasizes the act of bringing attention to something, similar to "pointed out" but with a stronger focus.

which noted that

A more neutral alternative, implying a simple observation or recording of information.

which emphasized that

Stresses the importance of the information being conveyed.

which revealed that

Suggests that the information was previously unknown or hidden.

which demonstrated that

Implies that the information serves as proof or evidence of something.

which clarified that

Indicates that the information resolves ambiguity or misunderstanding.

which explained that

Focuses on providing a reason or understanding of something.

which mentioned that

A more casual alternative, suggesting a brief or passing reference.

which specified that

Highlights the provision of detailed and precise information.

FAQs

What does "which pointed out that" mean?

The phrase "which pointed out that" is used to introduce a clause that highlights or specifies a particular fact, detail, or observation related to something previously mentioned. It serves to add explanatory information.

How to use "which pointed out that" in a sentence?

You can use "which pointed out that" to add explanatory details to a noun. For example: "The report, "which pointed out that" the project was behind schedule, prompted immediate action".

What can I say instead of "which pointed out that"?

You can use alternatives like "which indicated that", "which highlighted that", or "which noted that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "which pointed out that"?

No, it's generally incorrect to start a sentence with "which pointed out that" because the "which" clause needs to refer to a specific noun in the main clause. Starting a sentence this way often results in a dangling modifier.