Le verbe à particule 'Point out': Montrer et Expliquer
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
point out est un outil indispensable dans la boîte à outils de tout apprenant de niveau intermédiaire. En anglais, il ne suffit pas de connaître les verbes simples comme show (montrer) ou tell (dire) ; pour atteindre une fluidité naturelle, tu dois maîtriser ces combinaisons de verbes et de particules qui nuancent le discours. Point out est l'un de ces verbes polyvalents qui permettent de diriger l'attention de ton interlocuteur vers une information spécifique, un objet ou un détail particulier.point out, regroupe toutes ces intentions sous une seule bannière.point out sert à établir un focus, guidant l'observateur vers un élément d'intérêt ou une correction nécessaire. Maîtriser ce verbe, c'est apprendre à guider l'esprit de ton interlocuteur avec précision.point out, il faut d'abord accepter que l'anglais fonctionne par « blocs de sens ». Contrairement au français où le verbe porte souvent toute l'action, ici, c'est l'union du verbe point (pointer/indiquer) et de la particule out (vers l'extérieur/en évidence) qui crée une signification nouvelle.Point out est ce qu'on appelle un transitive, separable phrasal verb.- 1Transitif : Cela signifie qu'il a toujours besoin d'un complément d'objet direct (le
quelque choseque l'on fait remarquer). - 2Séparable : C'est là que ça devient intéressant (et parfois un peu complexe pour nous). Les deux parties,
pointetout, peuvent être séparées par l'objet en question.
I pointed out the error ou I pointed the error out.out est fondamentale : elle suggère que l'information est extraite d'un ensemble pour être mise en lumière. Si tu es en réunion et que tu « pointes » une statistique, tu la sors de la masse de données pour que tout le monde la voie. C'est cette nuance de « mise en évidence » qui rend point out plus précis que show.show est une présentation passive, point out est une action délibérée de soulignement.point out suit la règle des verbes à particule séparables. Pour nous, Français, le piège principal réside dans la place du pronom. Voici comment construire tes phrases correctement selon la nature de l'objet.I pointed out the flaw. / I pointed the flaw out. | (Les deux sont corrects) |I pointed it out. | I pointed out it. (Faux) |- Avec un nom : Tu as le choix. Cependant, placer le nom à la fin (
point out the problem) est souvent plus courant et plus facile à mémoriser au début. Placer le nom au milieu (point the problem out) apporte parfois une légère emphase sur l'objet lui-même. - Avec un pronom (it, them, this, that) : C'est ici que la grammaire anglaise est stricte. Si tu remplaces
the errorparit, tu dois séparer le verbe. En français, nous plaçons le pronom *avant* le verbe (« Je le signale »). En anglais, il se glisse au milieu du phrasal verb. C'est un automatisme à acquérir :point+objet+out.
point out est suivi d'une proposition introduite par that pour introduire un fait.She pointed out that the meeting was cancelled. (Elle a fait remarquer que la réunion était annulée).point out reste soudé car l'objet est une phrase entière.Point out s'utilise dans des contextes variés, allant du geste physique à l'argumentation intellectuelle. Voici les situations les plus courantes pour un utilisateur de niveau B1 :- Indiquer physiquement un objet ou un lieu : C'est l'usage le plus littéral. Tu utilises ton doigt ou ton regard pour montrer quelque chose qui n'est pas forcément évident.
The guide pointed out the hidden entrance to the cave. (Le guide a montré l'entrée cachée de la grotte).point out sur une carte.- Attirer l'attention sur un fait ou un détail : C'est l'usage « intellectuel ». Tu mets en lumière une information que l'autre n'a peut-être pas vue ou prise en compte.
I'd like to point out that we are over budget. (J'aimerais faire remarquer que nous dépassons le budget).- Identifier une erreur ou un problème : C'est l'usage critique mais constructif.
My teacher pointed out a few typos in my essay. (Mon professeur a signalé quelques fautes de frappe dans ma rédaction).- Souligner un avantage ou une différence :
The salesman pointed out the benefits of the electric motor. (Le vendeur a souligné les avantages du moteur électrique).point out. Voici les erreurs classiques à surveiller :- 1Le mauvais placement du pronom (L'erreur n°1) :
I pointed out it.I pointed it out.it ou them cherchent à se placer juste après le verbe d'action pour des raisons de rythme. Ne pas les séparer sonne très étrange à l'oreille d'un natif.- 1Confondre 'point out' et 'point at' :
point.Point at : C'est le geste physique de pointer du doigt *vers* quelqu'un ou quelque chose. C'est souvent considéré comme impoli si c'est dirigé vers une personne (Don't point at me!).Point out : C'est l'action de désigner pour informer ou clarifier.out. Si tu veux juste montrer du doigt une direction ou une cible, c'est at.- 1L'omission de l'objet :
point out est strictement transitif. Tu ne peux pas dire The report points out. sans dire *quoi*.The report points out the risks. ou The report points this out.- 1L'usage excessif (Overuse) :
point out là où un simple say ou mention suffirait. Si l'information est banale et n'a pas besoin d'être mise en évidence, point out peut paraître un peu lourd ou trop formel.He pointed out that he was hungry si c'est juste une remarque en passant. Dis plutôt He mentioned he was hungry.point out plutôt qu'un autre verbe proche. Voici un tableau comparatif pour t'aider à choisir le mot juste selon l'intention.I showed him the map.(Je lui ai montré la carte — action simple).I pointed out the hotel on the map.(Je lui ai fait remarquer où se trouvait l'hôtel sur la carte — action précise de localisation).I pointed at the map.(J'ai pointé mon doigt vers la carte — geste physique).
point out est formel ou informel ?point out pour des personnes ?I pointed out the new manager, cela signifie que tu l'as désigné pour que quelqu'un sache qui il est. Ce n'est pas impoli, contrairement à point at, car l'intention est informative.point out that... et point out the fact that... ?Point out the fact that... est simplement un peu plus lourd et formel. En général, point out that... suffit largement dans la plupart des situations.point out to someone ?to.I pointed out the mistake to my boss. (J'ai signalé l'erreur à mon patron). Note que l'objet (the mistake) reste généralement avant le to someone.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
| Utilisation | Exemple | Séparable ? | Type d'objet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Direction physique
|
Can you `point out` my car?
|
Yes
|
Nom (Optionnel)
|
|
Information verbale
|
She `pointed out` the deadline.
|
Yes
|
Nom
|
|
Info verbale (Pronom)
|
He `pointed it out` immediately.
|
Always
|
Pronom
|
|
Mettre en évidence un problème
|
The team `pointed out` a bug.
|
Yes
|
Nom
|
|
Attirer l'attention sur un détail
|
I `pointed out` the hidden pattern.
|
Yes
|
Nom
|
|
Corriger une idée fausse
|
They `pointed out` my misunderstanding.
|
Yes
|
Nom
|
Spectre de formalité
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)
Les multiples facettes de 'Point Out'
Ce que tu 'point out'
- mistake erreur
- feature nouvelle fonction
- problem problème
- detail petit élément
Comment ça marche
- separable peut se séparer
- transitive nécessite un objet
- pronouns au milieu
Quand l'utiliser
- clarify rendre clair
- inform donner des infos
- correct corriger une erreur
'Point Out' vs. ses cousins
Utiliser 'Point Out' : Guide rapide
Veux-tu attirer l'attention sur quelque chose de spécifique (physique ou verbal) ?
L'objet est-il un pronom (par exemple, 'it', 'them') ?
Ton ton est-il constructif et utile, et non excessivement critique ?
Collocations pour 'Point Out'
Problèmes/Enjeux
- • mistake
- • error
- • flaw
- • bug
- • discrepancy
Informations/Détails
- • fact
- • detail
- • feature
- • aspect
- • trend
Lieux/Directions
- • way
- • direction
- • landmark
- • location
Objets Généraux
- • something
- • that
- • this
- • what
Exemples par niveau
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.
Facile à confondre
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.
Erreurs courantes
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.
Structures de phrases
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.
Le pouvoir des pronoms
I pointed it out.
Attention au ton !
I noticed a small error.
N'en abuse pas
Could you remind me?
Pointer du doigt vs. les idées
He 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'.
Prononciation
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.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Point it OUT to find it OUT.
Association visuelle
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
Défi
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.'
Notes culturelles
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).
Amorces de conversation
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?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
Can you _____ the main differences between the two proposals?
Find and fix the mistake:
The manager pointed out it during the meeting.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El profesor señaló los errores en mi ensayo.'
Answer starts with: ["T...
Score: /4
Exercices pratiques
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 exercisesDuring the presentation, she needed to _____ the key data points on the slide.
The user pointed out the bug to me yesterday.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Ella me señaló un error en mi cálculo.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the objects with the correct 'point out' structure:
I had to _____ to my colleague that the report was due today.
User hint: 'You should point out that this is wrong.' Correct form: 'You should that out.'
Choose the best sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella les señaló el camino a la salida.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the sentence parts:
Score: /12
FAQ (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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