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 は、日本語の「指摘する」「指し示す」「教える」といったニュアンスを包含する非常に便利な表現です。しかし、単なる「言う」こととは異なり、point out は「相手が気づいていないことや、見落としている重要な点に注意を向ける」という明確な意図が含まれています。日本語では、文脈に応じて「指摘する」「教える」「言及する」などを使い分けますが、英語ではこの point out を使うことで、「これは重要だから見てほしい」という焦点化のニュアンスを効率的に伝えることができます。point out は「外へ（out）」というイメージが強く、隠れていたものや目立たないものを「外に出して見えるようにする」という感覚です。これは、日本語の「指摘する」という硬い表現よりも、日常会話やビジネスの現場で頻繁に使われる、非常に自然でアクティブな表現です。例えば、会議で資料のミスを見つけた時、あるいは街中で珍しい建物を見つけた時など、相手の視線を特定の対象へ誘導したいあらゆる場面で活用できます。この表現をマスターすることは、あなたの英語が単なる情報伝達から、相手との視点を共有するコミュニケーションへと一歩進化することを意味します。point out は「他動詞」かつ「分離可能な句動詞（Separable Phrasal Verb）」です。ここが日本語学習者にとって最も注意すべき点です。日本語は「目的語＋を＋動詞」という語順で、動詞は文末に置かれますが、英語の句動詞は動詞と前置詞（または副詞）がセットで一つの意味を作ります。point（指す）＋ out（外へ）という組み合わせは、単に指で指すことだけでなく、論理的な事実や情報を相手の意識の中に「指し示す」という抽象的な意味も持ちます。文法的には、目的語（何について指摘するか）を point と out の間に置くか、あるいは out の後ろに置くかという選択肢があります。日本語には「分離可能な動詞」という概念がないため、最初は戸惑うかもしれませんが、「目的語が代名詞（it, themなど）の場合は必ず真ん中に挟む」というルールさえ覚えれば、非常にシンプルです。I pointed out the mistake.（ミスを指摘した）という文では、the mistake という目的語を out の後ろに置いていますが、I pointed the mistake out. と言うことも可能です。この柔軟性が英語の句動詞の魅力であり、同時に難しさでもあります。特に、ビジネスの場で「ここが問題です」と伝える際、point out を使うことで、ただの事実の羅列ではなく、「ここが重要である」という強いメッセージを相手に届けることができるのです。point out の語順は、目的語の種類によって決まります。以下の表で整理してみましょう。it や them のような代名詞の場合は、必ず point と out の間に挟まなければなりません。これは、英語のリズム感として、短い代名詞を文の最後（out の後ろ）に置くのを避ける傾向があるためです。日本語には助詞（を、に、が）があるため語順が比較的自由ですが、英語は「語順が文法そのもの」です。このルールを守るだけで、あなたの英語は格段にネイティブらしく聞こえるようになります。point out は、相手の注意を特定の対象へ誘導したい時に使います。日常の様々なシーンで使い分けてみてください。- 1物理的な指し示し: 観光地で「あそこに富士山が見えますよ」と伝える時、
The guide pointed out the mountain in the distance.と言います。単にlook atと言うよりも、「見落としがちなものに気づかせる」というニュアンスが強まります。
- 1事実や情報の強調: 就活の面接や会社の会議で、論理的な矛盾や重要なデータに触れる時です。「このデータには矛盾があります」と言いたい場合、
I would like to point out a discrepancy in the data.と言うと、非常に知的でプロフェッショナルな響きになります。
- 1ミスの修正: 同僚のメールにタイプミスがあった時、
He pointed out a typo in my email.と言えば、非難するのではなく「改善のために気づかせてくれた」という建設的な響きになります。
- 1興味深いことの共有: カフェで友人とおしゃべりしている時、メニューの面白い点や、店内の変わった装飾について「あれ見て！」と教える時にも使えます。
Did you point out the menu's special offer to him?のように日常会話でも多用されます。
- 1代名詞の置き場所ミス: 最も多いのが
I pointed out it.というミスです。日本語話者は「動詞＋目的語」の語順をそのまま当てはめようとしますが、itは必ず真ん中に挟むというルール（I pointed it out.）が抜けてしまいがちです。これは、日本語が目的語を文中で自由に配置できる言語であることに起因する干渉です。
- 1
point atとの混同:point outは「情報の指摘」ですが、point atは「指で物理的に指すこと」です。人を指で指すのはマナー違反ですが、point outは事実を指摘するだけなので、人を指すわけではありません。この使い分けを意識しないと、不必要な誤解を招くことがあります。
- 1動詞の過剰な省略: 日本語では「（それ）指摘したよ」と目的語を省略しがちですが、英語の
point outは他動詞なので、何を指しているのかを明示しないと文が完成しません。I pointed out.だけでは「何を？」と聞き返されてしまいます。常に「何を（what）」を意識して文を構成しましょう。
mention は「ちょっと言っただけ」という軽いニュアンスですが、point out は「重要なことだから見てほしい」という強い意図があります。show は「見せる」という動作そのものに焦点がありますが、point out は「認識させる」という心の働きに焦点があります。これらの違いを理解すれば、状況に応じて最適な言葉を選べるようになります。point out を使うと偉そうに聞こえませんか？You pointed out my mistake! と言うと責められているように聞こえますが、Thanks for pointing that out.（指摘してくれてありがとう）と感謝の言葉を添えることで、非常に丁寧でプロフェッショナルな響きになります。point out は show とどう違うのですか？show は「提示する」ことですが、point out は「すでにそこにあるものに対して、意識を向けるように促す」という違いがあります。例えば、地図を見せながら「ここが目的地です」と言うなら show ですが、地図の中の小さな目印に気づかせるなら point out を使います。pointed out です。I pointed the error out yesterday. のように、過去の出来事に対しても問題なく使えます。分離可能な句動詞のルールは時制に関わらず適用されます。point out はビジネス以外でも使えますか？Point out that sign! と言えます。日常のあらゆる「気づき」の共有に役立つので、ぜひ今日から使ってみてください！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
| 使い方 | 例文 | 分離可能？ | 目的語の種類 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
物理的な方向を示す
|
Can you `point out` my car?
|
はい
|
名詞（任意）
|
|
口頭で情報を伝える
|
She `pointed out` the deadline.
|
はい
|
名詞
|
|
口頭で情報を伝える（代名詞）
|
He `pointed it out` immediately.
|
常に
|
代名詞
|
|
問題点を強調する
|
The team `pointed out` a bug.
|
はい
|
名詞
|
|
詳細に注意を促す
|
I `pointed out` the hidden pattern.
|
はい
|
名詞
|
|
誤解を正す
|
They `pointed out` my misunderstanding.
|
はい
|
名詞
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
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)
「point out」の多面的な使い方
指摘するもの
- mistake 間違い
- feature 新機能
- problem 問題
- detail 細かい点
仕組み
- separable 分離可能
- transitive 目的語が必要
- pronouns 真ん中に置く
いつ使うか
- clarify 明確にする
- inform 情報提供する
- correct 訂正する
Point Out vs. 似た表現
「point out」の使い方：クイックガイド
何か特定のもの（物理的または口頭で）に注意を向けたいですか？
目的語は代名詞（例：「it」、「them」）ですか？
あなたの口調は建設的で協力的で、過度に批判的ではありませんか？
「point out」のコロケーション
問題点・課題
- • mistake
- • error
- • flaw
- • bug
- • discrepancy
情報・詳細
- • fact
- • detail
- • feature
- • aspect
- • trend
場所・方向
- • way
- • direction
- • landmark
- • location
一般的なもの
- • something
- • that
- • this
- • what
レベル別の例文
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.
間違えやすい
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.
よくある間違い
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.
文型パターン
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.
代名詞は「point」と「out」の間に！
He pointed it out immediately.ニュアンスに注意！
I noticed a small error here.
使いすぎは禁物！
Can you remind me later?指差しと内容の強調
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'.
発音
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.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Point it OUT to find it OUT.
視覚的連想
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
チャレンジ
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.'
文化メモ
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).
会話のきっかけ
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?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
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
練習問題
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 point 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
よくある質問 (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
関連動画
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