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 out은 일상 대화부터 비즈니스 미팅, 학술적인 토론에 이르기까지 활용 빈도가 매우 높은 핵심 표현입니다.point out은 특정 정보, 사물, 혹은 세부 사항에 누군가의 주의를 집중시키는 행위를 의미합니다. 한국어로는 상황에 따라 '가리키다', '지적하다', '언급하다', '알려주다' 등으로 번역될 수 있지만, 이 구동사가 가진 핵심 뉘앙스는 '상대방이 미처 보지 못했거나 간과했을 법한 것을 콕 집어서 의식하게 만드는 것'입니다.tell이나 show보다 훨씬 구체적이고 의도적인 느낌을 줍니다. 예를 들어, 길을 걷다가 친구에게 멋진 건물을 단순히 '보여주는' 것이 아니라, 그 건물의 독특한 지붕 모양을 '집어내어 설명할 때' 바로 point out을 사용합니다. 이처럼 이 표현은 물리적인 손가락질(pointing)부터 추상적인 사실의 제시까지 넓은 범위를 아우릅니다.point out의 문법적 구조와 자연스러운 활용법, 그리고 한국어와의 미묘한 차이점을 깊이 있게 살펴보겠습니다.point out은 문법적으로 '타동사 구동사(Transitive Phrasal Verb)'이자 '분리 가능한 구동사(Separable Phrasal Verb)'입니다. 이 개념을 한국어 문법 체계와 비교해 이해하면 훨씬 쉽습니다.point)와 입자(out)가 하나의 세트 메뉴처럼 움직입니다. 여기서 point는 '방향을 향하다'라는 동작의 본질을 담고 있고, out은 안개 속에 있던 것을 밖으로(out) 끄집어내어 명확하게 보이게 만든다는 의미적 확장을 담당합니다.point와 out 사이에 목적어를 넣을 수도 있고, 뒤에 뺄 수도 있습니다.point out the problem(O)point the problem out(O)
point out을 사용할 때 가장 주의해야 할 점은 목적어의 위치입니다. 특히 대명사를 사용할 때의 규칙은 매우 엄격하므로 반드시 숙지해야 합니다.out 뒤 혹은 point와 out 사이 모두 가능 | He pointed out the error. / He pointed the error out. | (없음) |point와 out 사이에 위치 | I pointed it out. | I pointed out it. (X) |The teacher pointed out the mistake.처럼 명사를 뒤에 쓰는 것이 가장 일반적이고 자연스럽습니다. 하지만 명사가 짧을 때는 The teacher pointed the mistake out.처럼 중간에 넣기도 합니다. 다만, 목적어가 너무 길어지면(예: the mistake that everyone had been making for years) 반드시 out 뒤에 써주는 것이 문장의 균형상 좋습니다.it, them, this, that과 같은 대명사가 목적어라면 반드시 point [it] out의 형태를 취해야 합니다. 이는 영어 특유의 리듬 때문인데, 강세가 없는 대명사는 동사와 입자 사이에 '쏙' 끼어들어가려는 성질이 있습니다. 한국어에서는 «그것을 지적했다»라고 순서대로 말하면 되지만, 영어에서는 pointed out it이라고 하면 원어민들은 문장이 끝나지 않은 듯한 어색함을 느낍니다.point out은 단순히 '말하다'는 상황보다 더 구체적인 네 가지 상황에서 빛을 발합니다. 우리 일상과 밀접한 예시를 통해 알아봅시다.The guide pointed out the hidden entrance to the temple.(가이드가 사원의 숨겨진 입구를 가리켜 알려주었다.)Can you point out your house on this map?(이 지도에서 당신의 집이 어디인지 짚어줄 수 있나요?)
I'd like to point out that our sales have increased by 20%.(우리 매출이 20% 증가했다는 점을 언급하고 싶습니다.)She pointed out a few interesting facts in her presentation.(그녀는 발표에서 몇 가지 흥미로운 사실들을 짚어주었다.)
point out은 한국어의 '지적'보다 조금 더 객관적이고 중립적인 느낌을 줄 수 있습니다.My boss pointed out some typos in the report.(상사님이 보고서의 오타 몇 개를 지적하셨다.)Thank you for pointing that out; I'll fix it right away.(그 부분을 알려주셔서 감사합니다. 바로 수정할게요.)
Critics point out that the new law could have negative side effects.(비평가들은 새 법안이 부정적인 부작용을 낳을 수 있다고 지적합니다.)
point out을 사용할 때 자주 범하는 실수들은 주로 한국어 모국어 간섭(L1 Interference)에서 발생합니다.Point out it!이라고 말하기 쉽습니다. 하지만 앞서 강조했듯 반드시 Point it out!이 되어야 합니다.- 잘못된 예:
I found a bug and pointed out it to the developer. - 바른 예:
I found a bug and pointed it out to the developer.
point at과의 혼동point at은 단순히 손가락으로 대상을 향하는 '물리적 행위' 자체에 집중합니다. 반면 point out은 그 대상을 통해 '정보를 전달'하는 데 목적이 있습니다.He pointed at the man.(그는 그 남자를 손가락으로 가리켰다. - 무례할 수 있음)He pointed out the man in the photo.(그는 사진 속의 그 남자가 누구인지 짚어주었다. - 정보 전달)
out을 써야 합니다.point out은 타동사이므로 반드시 무엇을 지적하는지 목적어가 필요합니다. 한국어는 문맥상 알 수 있으면 목적어를 자주 생략하지만, 영어는 그렇지 않습니다.- 잘못된 예:
As the professor pointed out, it is important.(교수님이 지적했듯이, 그것은 중요하다.) -> 무엇을 지적했는지 명확하지 않음. - 바른 예:
As the professor pointed out in the lecture, it is important.혹은As the professor pointed out that...구조를 사용해야 합니다.
point out과 비슷해 보이지만 다른 단어들과의 차이점을 표로 정리해 보았습니다. 상황에 맞는 정확한 단어 선택이 영어 실력을 결정짓습니다.point out과의 차이점 |point out처럼 주의를 집중시키려는 의도가 약합니다. |point out은 몰랐던 것을 알게 해주는 느낌이 강합니다. |point out은 시각적 제시 + 설명/의미 부여가 결합된 형태입니다. |He mentioned the error.(그는 오타에 대해 슬쩍 말했다.)He pointed out the error.(그는 오타가 여기 있다고 명확히 짚어주었다.)He highlighted the error.(그는 오타에 형광펜을 칠해 강조했다.)
point out은 항상 부정적인 상황(실수 지적 등)에서만 쓰나요?point out은 긍정적이거나 중립적인 상황에서도 아주 많이 쓰입니다. 예를 들어 She pointed out the benefits of the new system. (그녀는 새 시스템의 장점들을 짚어주었다)처럼 좋은 점을 알릴 때도 사용합니다.point out 뒤에 that 절을 써도 되나요?point out that + 주어 + 동사 구조로 사용하며, «~라는 사실을 언급하다/짚어주다»라는 뜻이 됩니다. 예: I must point out that time is running out. (시간이 다 되어간다는 점을 말씀드려야겠네요.)point out을 써도 되나요?Can you point out the suspect in this room? (이 방 안에서 용의자를 지목할 수 있나요?) 하지만 그 사람의 성격이나 외모를 비판할 때는 criticize나 다른 표현을 쓰는 것이 더 적절합니다.point out은 여러분의 의사소통을 훨씬 정교하게 만들어주는 도구입니다. 단순히 정보를 던지는 것이 아니라, 상대방의 시선을 내가 원하는 곳으로 부드럽게 유도하는 기술이라고 생각해보세요. 오늘 배운 대명사 위치 규칙(point it out)을 꼭 기억하시면서, 다음 비즈니스 이메일이나 대화에서 사용해 보시기 바랍니다. 쉽죠? 연습만이 완벽함을 만듭니다!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
| 사용법 | 예시 문장 | 분리 가능 여부 | 목적어 유형 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
물리적 방향
|
Can you `point out` my car?
|
가능
|
명사 (선택 사항)
|
|
정보 전달 (구두)
|
She `pointed out` the deadline.
|
가능
|
명사
|
|
정보 전달 (대명사)
|
He `pointed it out` immediately.
|
항상 분리
|
대명사
|
|
문제점 강조
|
The team `pointed out` a bug.
|
가능
|
명사
|
|
세부 사항 강조
|
I `pointed out` the hidden pattern.
|
가능
|
명사
|
|
오해 정정
|
They `pointed out` my misunderstanding.
|
가능
|
명사
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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'의 다양한 의미
무엇을 지적하는가
- mistake 오류
- feature 새로운 기능
- problem 문제
- detail 작은 요소
어떻게 작동하는가
- separable 분리 가능
- transitive 목적어 필요
- pronouns 중간에 위치
언제 사용하는가
- clarify 명확하게 하다
- inform 정보를 주다
- correct 오류를 고치다
'Point Out'과 그 친척들 비교
'Point Out' 사용법: 빠른 가이드
특정 대상(물리적 또는 말로)에 주의를 집중시키고 싶나요?
목적어가 대명사(예: 'it', 'them')인가요?
당신의 어조가 지나치게 비판적이지 않고 건설적이며 도움이 되나요?
'Point Out'과 함께 쓰는 표현들
문제/이슈
- • mistake
- • error
- • flaw
- • bug
- • discrepancy
정보/세부 사항
- • fact
- • detail
- • feature
- • aspect
- • trend
위치/방향
- • way
- • direction
- • landmark
- • location
일반적인 대상
- • something
- • that
- • this
- • what
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
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.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
대명사 규칙 꼭 지키기!
He pointed it out.
어조에 주의하세요!
I noticed a small detail.
과용하지 마세요!
I just wanted to mention it.
손가락질 vs. 아이디어
Can you point 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'.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
Point it OUT to find it OUT.
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
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.'
문화 노트
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).
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
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
연습 문제
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
자주 묻는 질문 (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
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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
관련 동영상
Related Grammar Rules
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