El 'Phrasal Verb' 'Point out': Señalar y Mencionar
mostrar o mencionar detalles importantes, siempre recordando la regla del pronombre. ¡Es tu herramienta para hacer notar cosas!
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'point out' to draw someone's attention to a specific fact, mistake, or physical object they might have missed.
- Use it for physical objects: 'He pointed out the tallest building.'
- Use it for abstract facts: 'She pointed out that we were late.'
- If using a pronoun (it/them), put it in the middle: 'Point it out.'
Overview
señalar, indicar o resaltar), mientras que el inglés prefiere estas combinaciones de un verbo más una partícula.point out.point out es mucho más que simplemente poner el dedo sobre algo. Es una herramienta esencial para dirigir la atención de alguien hacia información específica, objetos o detalles que podrían pasar desapercibidos. Imagínate que estás en una reunión de trabajo y notas un error en una gráfica, o que estás viendo una serie en Netflix con un amigo y quieres resaltar un detalle curioso de la trama.point out es tu mejor aliado.point out es establecer un foco, guiando al oyente u observador hacia un punto de interés o preocupación.say o show.point out funciona como un transitive, separable phrasal verb. Vamos a desglosar qué significa esto para nosotros que pensamos en español.- 1Transitive (Transitivo): Esto significa que el verbo necesita un objeto directo. No puedes simplemente decir
I pointed outy quedarte callado; tu interlocutor se quedará esperando a que digas *qué* señalaste. En español, si dicesHice notar..., la gente espera el resto de la frase. Lo mismo ocurre aquí. - 2Separable (Separable): Esta es la parte que a veces nos confunde. Significa que los dos componentes,
point(el verbo) yout(la partícula), pueden estar juntos o separados por el objeto de la oración.
point comunica intrínsecamente dirección o indicación. Por otro lado, la partícula out denota el acto de hacer algo externo, visible o conocido. Juntos, crean un matiz que va más allá de un simple show (mostrar).point out a discrepancy (señalar una discrepancia) a tu equipo, asegurando que todos reconozcan el error. El énfasis semántico está en atraer el foco de atención de manera deliberada hacia algo que, sin tu intervención, podría permanecer invisible.point out sigue el patrón estándar de los *phrasal verbs* separables. La posición del objeto depende de si estamos usando un sustantivo (nombre) o un pronombre. Dominar este patrón es una de las marcas distintivas de un nivel intermedio (B1) sólido.I pointed out the error. / I pointed the error out. | (Ambos son correctos) |I pointed it out. | I pointed out it. |the mistake, the house, the problem), tienes libertad total. Puedes decir She pointed out the problem o She pointed the problem out. La primera opción es ligeramente más común en el habla cotidiana, mientras que la segunda puede usarse para dar un énfasis especial al objeto.it, them, this, that). Aquí es donde muchos cometemos errores por la interferencia del español. En español decimos Lo señalé (el pronombre va antes).I pointed out it suena muy extraño para un oído nativo y es gramaticalmente incorrecto. La forma correcta siempre será I pointed it out.point out en situaciones donde quieras atraer específicamente la atención de alguien hacia algo. El matiz implica que la información o el objeto podría no ser obvio a primera vista. Aquí tienes los escenarios más comunes:- Para indicar físicamente un objeto o lugar: Se usa cuando estás mostrando físicamente dónde está algo, a menudo con un gesto. Por ejemplo, si estás de viaje:
The tour guide pointed out the ancient ruins in the distance(El guía señaló las ruinas antiguas a lo lejos). O en un contexto cotidiano:Could you point out your car in the parking lot?(¿Podrías señalar tu coche en el estacionamiento?).
- Para atraer la atención hacia un dato, detalle o pieza de información: Este es el uso verbal más frecuente. Estás resaltando un dato o una idea que consideras importante. Imagínate en una clase en la universidad:
The professor pointed out the key concept for the exam(El profesor resaltó el concepto clave para el examen). En una conversación de WhatsApp, podrías decir:I should point out that the meeting starts at 8, not 9(Debería señalar que la reunión empieza a las 8, no a las 9).
- Para identificar un error o un problema: En el trabajo o en los estudios, es una forma profesional de indicar que algo anda mal.
A colleague pointed out a typo in my email(Un colega me señaló una errata en mi correo). Es una manera directa pero constructiva de abordar áreas de mejora.
- Para resaltar algo interesante o inusual: A veces simplemente quieres compartir una observación.
I pointed out a rare bird to my friend while we were walking(Le señalé un pájaro raro a mi amigo mientras caminábamos). Aquí, el uso depoint outañade valor a la experiencia compartida al enfocar la atención en algo especial.
- 1Ubicación incorrecta del pronombre (L1 Interference):
Te lo señalo). En inglés, con los *phrasal verbs* separables, el pronombre es como el relleno de un sándwich: va en el medio.
- Incorrecto:
I will point out it to you. - Correcto:
I will point it out to you.
- 1Confundir
point outconpoint at:
point atse refiere estrictamente al gesto físico de apuntar con el dedo hacia algo o alguien. En muchas culturas,point at peoplese considera de mala educación.point outse refiere a la intención comunicativa de hacer notar algo.
She pointed at the error, te estás enfocando en que ella extendió su dedo hacia el papel. Si dices She pointed out the error, te enfocas en que ella te hizo notar que había un error.- 1Uso excesivo o redundancia:
point out para cosas que son demasiado obvias. Si el sol está brillando y hace calor, no dirías He pointed out that it was sunny, a menos que estuviéramos en un lugar donde normalmente nunca sale el sol. Si la información es evidente para todos, usa simplemente say o mention.point out implica que estás revelando algo que quizás el otro no ha procesado aún.- 1Olvidar el objeto:
As the teacher pointed out yesterday... y terminar ahí la frase. Debes completar la idea: As the teacher pointed out yesterday, the deadline is Friday.point out frente a otros verbos similares. Aquí tienes una comparativa:point out | Hacer notar algo que podría pasarse por alto. | She pointed out a flaw in the plan. |mention | Mencionar algo de pasada, sin darle tanta importancia. | He mentioned that he was tired. |highlight | Resaltar algo para darle énfasis (muy común en textos). | The report highlights the need for change. |show | Mostrar algo visualmente (más genérico). | Let me show you my new house. |point at | Dirigir el dedo o un objeto hacia un lugar físico. | Don't point at me! |point out vs. mention?I mentioned the music, simplemente dijiste algo sobre ella. Si dices I pointed out the music, probablemente es porque la música era inusual, estaba muy alta o era de un género específico que querías que tu amigo notara.point out vs. highlight?highlight se usa mucho en contextos formales, presentaciones o cuando literalmente usas un marcador fluorescente. point out es más versátil y se usa tanto en el habla cotidiana como en la profesional.point out en correos electrónicos formales?I would like to point out that the attached document is a draft (Me gustaría señalar que el documento adjunto es un borrador). Es mucho más preciso que decir I want to say....point out?-ed al verbo point. El pasado es pointed out. Recuerda que la partícula out nunca cambia. Ejemplo: Yesterday, he pointed out several issues.She pointed out that we had forgotten to bring the keys. En este caso, no intentarías poner toda esa frase en medio de point y out.point out para corregir a alguien?I'd like to point out... o May I point out...?.¡Te equivocaste! y Me gustaría hacer notar un pequeño detalle....
Conjugation of 'Point out'
| Tense | Subject | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I/You/We/They
|
point out
|
I point out the stars.
|
|
Present Simple
|
He/She/It
|
points out
|
She points out the error.
|
|
Past Simple
|
All subjects
|
pointed out
|
They pointed it out.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
All subjects
|
am/is/are pointing out
|
He is pointing out the path.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
All subjects
|
have/has pointed out
|
We have pointed out the risks.
|
|
Future
|
All subjects
|
will point out
|
I will point it out later.
|
Meanings
To direct someone's attention to something or someone by stretching out your finger or by mentioning a particular fact.
Physical Identification
Using a finger or gesture to show where something is located.
“Can you point out your house on this map?”
“She pointed out the man she had seen earlier.”
Mentioning Information
To tell someone a fact that they might not know or have forgotten.
“I should point out that the office is closed on Fridays.”
“He was quick to point out the flaws in the plan.”
Correcting/Critiquing
To identify an error or a specific detail during an evaluation.
“My boss pointed out that I had missed a deadline.”
“The auditor pointed out several inconsistencies in the accounts.”
Reference Table
| Uso | Frase de ejemplo | ¿Separable? | Tipo de objeto |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dirección física
|
Can you `point out` my car?
|
Sí
|
Sustantivo (Opcional)
|
|
Información verbal
|
She `pointed out` the deadline.
|
Sí
|
Sustantivo
|
|
Información verbal (pronombre)
|
He `pointed it out` immediately.
|
Siempre
|
Pronombre
|
|
Resaltar un problema
|
The team `pointed out` a bug.
|
Sí
|
Sustantivo
|
|
Llamar la atención a un detalle
|
I `pointed out` the hidden pattern.
|
Sí
|
Sustantivo
|
|
Corregir una idea equivocada
|
They `pointed out` my misunderstanding.
|
Sí
|
Sustantivo
|
Espectro de formalidad
I would like to point out an error in the financial statement. (Workplace/Social)
I need to point out a mistake in this report. (Workplace/Social)
Hey, I should point out you got this part wrong. (Workplace/Social)
Just gotta point out that's a total fail. (Workplace/Social)
Las muchas caras de 'Point Out'
¿Qué señalas?
- mistake error
- feature nueva función
- problem problema
- detail elemento pequeño
¿Cómo funciona?
- separable puede dividirse
- transitive necesita objeto
- pronouns en medio
¿Cuándo usarlo?
- clarify aclarar
- inform informar
- correct corregir error
'Point Out' vs. Sus parientes
Usando 'Point Out': Una guía rápida
¿Quieres llamar la atención sobre algo específico (físico o verbal)?
¿Es el objeto un pronombre (por ejemplo, 'it', 'them')?
¿Tu tono es constructivo y útil, no demasiado crítico?
Colocaciones para 'Point Out'
Problemas/Asuntos
- • mistake
- • error
- • flaw
- • bug
- • discrepancy
Información/Detalles
- • fact
- • detail
- • feature
- • aspect
- • trend
Ubicaciones/Direcciones
- • way
- • direction
- • landmark
- • location
Objetos generales
- • something
- • that
- • this
- • what
Ejemplos por nivel
Point out the red car.
Point out the red car.
Can you point out your brother?
Can you point out your brother?
I point out the big tree.
I point out the big tree.
Point it out for me.
Point it out for me.
She pointed out the mistakes in my homework.
She pointed out the mistakes in my homework.
He pointed the way out to the tourists.
He pointed the way out to the tourists.
I didn't see the sign until you pointed it out.
I didn't see the sign until you pointed it out.
They are pointing out the best places to eat.
They are pointing out the best places to eat.
I would like to point out that we are over budget.
I would like to point out that we are over budget.
The article points out several reasons for the change.
The article points out several reasons for the change.
If you see a typo, please point it out.
If you see a typo, please point it out.
He pointed out the house where he grew up.
He pointed out the house where he grew up.
Critics were quick to point out the film's historical inaccuracies.
Critics were quick to point out the film's historical inaccuracies.
It is important to point out the distinction between these two laws.
It is important to point out the distinction between these two laws.
She pointed out that the data had been misinterpreted.
She pointed out that the data had been misinterpreted.
The report points out the need for immediate action.
The report points out the need for immediate action.
The philosopher points out the inherent contradictions in the theory.
The philosopher points out the inherent contradictions in the theory.
I feel compelled to point out the ethical implications of this decision.
I feel compelled to point out the ethical implications of this decision.
The witness pointed out the defendant with absolute certainty.
The witness pointed out the defendant with absolute certainty.
He pointed out, somewhat sarcastically, that I was wearing two different shoes.
He pointed out, somewhat sarcastically, that I was wearing two different shoes.
The essay masterfully points out the subtle interplay between light and shadow in the painting.
The essay masterfully points out the subtle interplay between light and shadow in the painting.
One might point out the irony of a billionaire advocating for austerity.
One might point out the irony of a billionaire advocating for austerity.
The linguist pointed out that the dialectal variations were receding.
The linguist pointed out that the dialectal variations were receding.
It was pointed out to me that my previous assumptions were entirely unfounded.
It was pointed out to me that my previous assumptions were entirely unfounded.
Fácil de confundir
Learners use 'point at' when they mean 'identify' or 'mention'.
Both involve 'showing', but 'show off' is about boasting.
Both involve selecting something from a group.
Errores comunes
Point at the car out.
Point out the car.
I point out it.
I point it out.
He pointed out me the house.
He pointed out the house to me.
She point out the truth.
She points out the truth.
I pointed out that we are late.
I pointed out that we were late.
He pointed out about the problem.
He pointed out the problem.
The error was pointed out of the report.
The error was pointed out in the report.
Patrones de oraciones
I'd like to point out that ___.
Can you point ___ out on the map?
She was quick to point out ___.
It was pointed out that ___.
Real World Usage
I'd like to point out that I have five years of experience in this field.
Just pointing out that the movie starts at 8, not 9!
Someone pointed out that this photo is actually from 2010.
The researcher points out that the sample size was too small.
I should point out that I have a nut allergy.
Can you point out the nearest pharmacy on the map?
A user pointed out a bug in the login screen.
The lawyer pointed out the inconsistency in the witness's statement.
¡El truco de los pronombres!
it, them, this o that) como objeto, ¡SIEMPRE va entre 'point' y 'out'! Con esto, ¡eres un experto! Por ejemplo: I will point it out later.
¡Cuidado con el tono!
I noticed an error in the report.
¡No lo uses en exceso!
Can you remind me about the meeting?
Señalar con el dedo vs. ideas
She pointed out the solution.
Smart Tips
Think of the phrasal verb as a sandwich. The pronoun is the filling that must go in the middle.
Add 'I should' or 'I'd like to' before 'point out'.
Use 'point out' to introduce a researcher's findings.
Check if you are talking about a fact. If yes, change 'at' to 'out'.
Pronunciación
Stress on the Particle
In phrasal verbs like 'point out', the stress usually falls on the particle ('out') rather than the verb ('point').
Linking
The 't' in 'point' often links to the 'o' in 'out', making it sound like 'poin-tout'.
Rising on 'out'
Can you point it OUT? ↗
Asking a question for clarification.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Point it OUT to find it OUT.
Asociación visual
Imagine a bright yellow highlighter pen. Every time you 'point out' something, you are mentally highlighting it so others can see it clearly.
Rhyme
If you want them to see, point it out for me!
Story
A detective is in a messy room. He uses his flashlight to 'point out' a tiny fingerprint on the wall. He then 'points out' to his partner that the window was left open.
Word Web
Desafío
Look around your room. Find three things and say them out loud using the phrase: 'I would like to point out the [object].' Then, find one mistake in a book or on a website and say: 'I pointed it out.'
Notas culturales
In Western universities, students are encouraged to 'point out' flaws in theories. It is seen as critical thinking, not disrespect.
British speakers often use 'point out' with 'might' or 'should' to sound more polite and less direct.
In US business culture, 'pointing out' errors is often done directly to ensure efficiency.
The verb 'point' comes from the Old French 'point' and Latin 'punctum' (a pricking, a point).
Inicios de conversación
Can you point out the best features of your hometown?
If you were a tour guide in London, what would you point out first?
Has anyone ever pointed out a mistake you made that you were thankful for?
What are some things people often point out about your personality?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
Score: /4
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesI found a mistake in the book and I ___ to the teacher.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
He pointed out me the error.
out / she / the / pointed / stars
Context: A tour guide.
If you see any problems, please ___.
Identify the formal sentence.
Find and fix the mistake:
She points out at the moon.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesScore: /12
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Yes, it is a transitive separable phrasal verb. You can say 'point out the fact' or 'point the fact out'. However, with pronouns, you MUST separate it: 'point it out'.
Yes, you can point out a person in a crowd or a photo to identify them. 'She pointed out the thief to the police.'
'Indicate' is more formal and often used in technical or scientific contexts. 'Point out' is more common in speech and general writing.
It depends on the context. In a professional setting, it is often necessary. In social settings, it's better to be polite: 'I just wanted to point out...'
Yes. 'He pointed out the error to me.' The person receiving the information is introduced with 'to'.
Yes, it is transitive. You cannot just say 'He pointed out.' You must say what he pointed out.
You can say 'It was pointed out that...' This is very common in formal reports to avoid saying who made the observation.
Usually, no. 'Point out' is primarily for things you can see (visual) or facts you can think about (intellectual). For smells, use 'notice'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Señalar / Indicar
English uses a phrasal verb (verb + particle), whereas Spanish uses a single verb.
Faire remarquer / Montrer
French uses a causative construction ('make notice') while English uses a directional phrasal verb.
Hinweisen auf
German word order can place the particle at the very end of a sentence, which is more rigid than English.
指摘する (Shiteki suru)
Japanese lacks the separable word order, making 'point it out' very difficult for learners.
أشار إلى (Ashara ila)
Arabic does not distinguish between 'pointing at' (direction) and 'pointing out' (information) with different particles.
指出 (Zhǐchū)
Despite the literal similarity, Chinese word order for objects is different, leading to 'point out it' errors.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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