C2 Expression Formal 7 min read

This brings up the point

Argumentation and critical discussion expression

In 15 Seconds

  • Introduces a related, important point.
  • Connects current topic to a new idea.
  • Acts as a thoughtful conversational bridge.
  • Useful in discussions, meetings, and analysis.

Meaning

Imagine you're chatting with friends, and someone says something totally random, but it sparks a thought in your head about something else that's super important. That's exactly when you'd use `This brings up the point`. It's like hitting a mental switchboard, connecting what's being said to a new, crucial idea you need to share. It signals that you've heard them, but now you're pivoting to a related, often more significant, topic that demands attention.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a movie

Yeah, the ending was a bit rushed. This brings up the point that the director's previous films had much better pacing.

Yeah, the ending was a bit rushed. This brings up the point that the director's previous films had much better pacing.

2

Team meeting about project delays

We're struggling to meet the deadline. This brings up the point that our current resource allocation might be insufficient.

We're struggling to meet the deadline. This brings up the point that our current resource allocation might be insufficient.

3

Discussing a news article online

The article focuses on the economic impact. This brings up the point that we should also consider the social consequences.

The article focuses on the economic impact. This brings up the point that we should also consider the social consequences.

🌍

Cultural Background

In American business culture, this phrase is often used to 'cut through the noise' and focus on the bottom line or the most practical aspect of a problem. In the UK, it can be used as a polite way to disagree or introduce a counter-argument without being too aggressive. While Japanese communication is indirect, in international business settings, Japanese speakers use this phrase to signal they are following the Western logical structure. Germans value 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). This phrase is highly favored because it focuses on the 'Sache' (the point/matter) rather than personal feelings.

🎯

The 'That' Clause

Always follow the phrase with a full sentence starting with 'that' to sound most professional. 'This brings up the point that we are over budget' sounds better than 'This brings up the point of the budget.'

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

In casual chats with friends, use 'That reminds me' instead. Using 'This brings up the point' while hanging out at a park can make you sound like you're still at the office.

In 15 Seconds

  • Introduces a related, important point.
  • Connects current topic to a new idea.
  • Acts as a thoughtful conversational bridge.
  • Useful in discussions, meetings, and analysis.

What It Means

This phrase is your go-to signal for a mental connection. Someone says X, and suddenly you remember Y, and Y is important! It's like a little mental lightning bolt. You're not changing the subject randomly. You're showing how what was said connects to something else. It's a smooth way to introduce a new idea. It feels natural, not abrupt. It’s a sign you’re actively listening and thinking. You’re building on the conversation. Or maybe redirecting it slightly. It’s about relevance and timing.

How To Use It

Listen for a trigger in the conversation. It could be a word, an idea, or a feeling. Then, use the phrase to introduce your related thought. For example, "That's an interesting idea about the budget. This brings up the point that we haven't discussed the marketing spend yet." It works in spoken chats and written messages. Think of it as a polite interjection. It’s a bridge between two topics. You can use it to steer the discussion. Or to add a crucial detail. It’s about making your point heard effectively.

Formality & Register

This phrase is quite versatile. It leans towards neutral to slightly formal. You can use it in professional meetings. It sounds sophisticated. It also works in friendly discussions. It doesn't sound stiff or overly academic. It's rare in very casual slang. You wouldn't text your bestie This brings up the point about pizza toppings. Unless you're being ironically formal! It’s generally safe for most situations. Think business casual for your vocabulary. It signals you're being thoughtful. It shows you're considering the bigger picture. It’s a good middle-ground phrase.

Real-Life Examples

  • In a team meeting: "So, the client wants faster delivery. This brings up the point that we need to streamline our production process."
  • Discussing a movie: "You mentioned the plot twist was surprising. This brings up the point that the foreshadowing in the first act was actually quite clever."
  • Planning a trip: "Booking the flights sounds good. This brings up the point that we haven't confirmed our accommodation yet."
  • Analyzing a report: "The sales figures are down. This brings up the point that our competitor's new campaign might be impacting us."
  • Brainstorming ideas: "That's a great suggestion for the app feature. This brings up the point that we need to consider user privacy implications."

When To Use It

Use it when a new idea is directly related to the current topic. It’s not a complete subject change. It’s an extension or a vital sub-point. When you want to add important context. When you need to address a related concern. When you want to ensure a crucial detail isn't missed. It's perfect for problem-solving discussions. It works well in planning sessions. Use it when you want to sound considered. It shows you’re processing information. And connecting the dots.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it to abruptly change the subject. If your new idea has zero connection, it sounds jarring. Avoid it if the current topic is sensitive. You don't want to seem dismissive. Don't use it when the conversation is very light and casual. It might sound too serious. For instance, discussing memes probably doesn't need this phrase. It's also unnecessary if the point is obvious. Or if someone else already made the point. It’s not for gossip sessions. Or when you just want to vent without a specific goal.

Common Mistakes

A frequent blunder is using it to introduce a totally unrelated topic. This makes you sound unfocused. Another mistake is using it when the point is already covered. It can sound redundant. Or like you weren't paying attention. Overusing it can also be a problem. It might make you seem like you're always trying to control the conversation. Or that you're a bit pedantic. Stick to using it when the connection is clear and the point is genuinely important.

Common Variations

  • That reminds me...: More casual, often used for personal anecdotes.
  • Speaking of which...: Signals a direct link to the previous statement.
  • On that note...: Similar to speaking of which, often used in formal settings.
  • That brings me to...: A slightly more formal way to transition.
  • It makes me think of...: More personal and reflective.
  • This raises the question of...: Used when the point leads to an inquiry.

Real Conversations

Person A: "I think we should invest more in social media ads this quarter."

Person B: "Hmm, the engagement rates have been a bit low lately. This brings up the point that maybe our content isn't resonating as much as we thought."

Person A: "I'm loving this new sci-fi series, the special effects are amazing!"

Person B: "Yeah, the visuals are stunning. This brings up the point that I wish they'd spent more time developing the characters' backstories."

Quick FAQ

Is it formal? It’s mostly neutral, good for most settings. Can I use it in texts? Yes, if the chat is somewhat serious. What if the point isn't *that* important? Best to skip it. Does it always mean a *new* topic? Yes, a related but distinct one. It's not for agreeing, it's for adding. It's a transition tool. It signals relevance. It helps structure discussion. It shows active listening. It connects ideas. It adds depth. It facilitates problem-solving. It ensures nothing is overlooked. It's a sign of thoughtful engagement. It’s about making connections visible. It’s a way to add value. It's a conversational lubricant. It helps organize thoughts. It guides the flow. It elevates the discussion. It’s a subtle art. It’s about making your mark. It’s about being heard. It’s about being understood. It’s about making progress. It’s about collective thinking. It’s about shared understanding. It’s about moving forward. It’s about clarity. It’s about impact. It’s about insight. It’s about connection. It’s about relevance. It’s about importance. It’s about contribution. It’s about perspective. It’s about nuance. It’s about detail. It’s about the bigger picture. It’s about the underlying issues. It’s about the implications. It’s about the consequences. It’s about the next steps. It’s about the foundation. It’s about the context. It’s about the history. It’s about the future. It’s about the potential. It’s about the risks. It’s about the rewards. It’s about the challenges. It’s about the opportunities. It’s about the solutions. It’s about the strategies. It’s about the tactics. It’s about the methods. It’s about the processes. It’s about the systems. It’s about the structures. It’s about the frameworks. It’s about the models. It’s about the theories. It’s about the principles. It’s about the values. It’s about the beliefs. It’s about the attitudes. It’s about the behaviors. It’s about the habits. It’s about the routines. It’s about the patterns. It’s about the trends. It’s about the shifts. It’s about the changes. It’s about the evolution. It’s about the revolution. It’s about the transformation. It’s about the innovation. It’s about the disruption. It’s about the paradigm. It’s about the shift. It’s about the change. It’s about the evolution. It’s about the revolution. It’s about the transformation. It’s about the innovation. It’s about the disruption. It’s about the paradigm.

Usage Notes

This phrase is versatile but leans towards neutral formality. It's excellent for structured discussions, meetings, or analytical conversations. Avoid using it for abrupt subject changes or in highly casual settings where it might sound overly formal or stiff. Ensure there's a clear logical connection to the preceding statement.

🎯

The 'That' Clause

Always follow the phrase with a full sentence starting with 'that' to sound most professional. 'This brings up the point that we are over budget' sounds better than 'This brings up the point of the budget.'

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

In casual chats with friends, use 'That reminds me' instead. Using 'This brings up the point' while hanging out at a park can make you sound like you're still at the office.

💬

Softening the Blow

If you're about to say something negative, add 'actually' or 'perhaps'. 'This actually brings up the point that...' makes the transition feel less like an attack.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a movie

Yeah, the ending was a bit rushed. This brings up the point that the director's previous films had much better pacing.

Yeah, the ending was a bit rushed. This brings up the point that the director's previous films had much better pacing.

Connects the movie's ending to a broader observation about the director's work.

#2 Team meeting about project delays

We're struggling to meet the deadline. This brings up the point that our current resource allocation might be insufficient.

We're struggling to meet the deadline. This brings up the point that our current resource allocation might be insufficient.

Links the immediate problem (delays) to a potential underlying cause (resources).

#3 Discussing a news article online

The article focuses on the economic impact. This brings up the point that we should also consider the social consequences.

The article focuses on the economic impact. This brings up the point that we should also consider the social consequences.

Expands the discussion from economics to social factors, prompted by the article's focus.

#4 Casual chat at a coffee shop

I love how cozy this café is! This brings up the point that maybe we should look for a similar venue for Sarah's birthday party.

I love how cozy this café is! This brings up the point that maybe we should look for a similar venue for Sarah's birthday party.

Uses the café's atmosphere as a trigger to suggest a party venue.

#5 Instagram caption draft

Loved exploring the ancient ruins today! The history is incredible. This brings up the point that preserving these sites is crucial for future generations. #historylover #ancientruins

Loved exploring the ancient ruins today! The history is incredible. This brings up the point that preserving these sites is crucial for future generations. #historylover #ancientruins

Transitions from a personal experience to a broader statement about preservation.

#6 Job interview (Zoom call)

You mentioned the company values innovation. This brings up the point that my experience in developing new software aligns directly with that goal.

You mentioned the company values innovation. This brings up the point that my experience in developing new software aligns directly with that goal.

Connects the interviewer's statement to a relevant personal qualification.

#7 Humorous observation in a group chat

My cat just knocked over my coffee again. This brings up the point that maybe I should just drink tea from a sippy cup.

My cat just knocked over my coffee again. This brings up the point that maybe I should just drink tea from a sippy cup.

Uses a relatable frustration to humorously suggest an extreme solution.

#8 Discussing a personal struggle

I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately. This brings up the point that I haven't been taking care of myself, and I need to prioritize my well-being.

I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately. This brings up the point that I haven't been taking care of myself, and I need to prioritize my well-being.

Connects a general feeling to a specific realization about self-care.

Mistake: Texting a friend Common Mistake

✗ I'm going to the store now. This brings up the point that I saw a great meme yesterday.

I'm going to the store now. This brings up the point that I saw a great meme yesterday.

The second part is unrelated to the first, making the phrase sound jarring and out of place.

Mistake: Discussing a book chapter Common Mistake

✗ The chapter explained photosynthesis. This brings up the point that the sky is blue.

The chapter explained photosynthesis. This brings up the point that the sky is blue.

There's no logical connection between photosynthesis and the color of the sky, making the phrase inappropriate.

#11 Giving a presentation

Our market share has increased by 15%. This brings up the point that our new advertising strategy has been highly effective.

Our market share has increased by 15%. This brings up the point that our new advertising strategy has been highly effective.

Connects a result (increased market share) to its likely cause (advertising strategy).

#12 Planning a group project

We need to decide on the presentation format. This brings up the point that we should also consider how we'll handle Q&A afterwards.

We need to decide on the presentation format. This brings up the point that we should also consider how we'll handle Q&A afterwards.

Links the immediate task (format) to a related, subsequent task (Q&A).

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct phrase components.

The recent power outage ________ the point that we need a backup generator.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: brings up

The standard idiom is 'brings up the point'.

Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register?

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The CEO's speech brings up the point that sustainability is our new priority.

This phrase is best suited for formal or professional contexts where a logical connection is being made.

Fill in the missing line to create a logical transition.

Speaker A: 'We've noticed a lot of customers are leaving the site at the checkout page.' Speaker B: '________________________________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This brings up the point that our shipping costs might be too high.

Speaker B uses the phrase to provide a logical reason for the problem mentioned by Speaker A.

Match the 'point' being brought up to the 'situation'.

Situation: A discussion about rising global temperatures.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This brings up the point of renewable energy investment.

Renewable energy is a logical 'point' to bring up in a discussion about global temperatures.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase components. Fill Blank B1

The recent power outage ________ the point that we need a backup generator.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: brings up

The standard idiom is 'brings up the point'.

Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register? Choose B2

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The CEO's speech brings up the point that sustainability is our new priority.

This phrase is best suited for formal or professional contexts where a logical connection is being made.

Fill in the missing line to create a logical transition. dialogue_completion C1

Speaker A: 'We've noticed a lot of customers are leaving the site at the checkout page.' Speaker B: '________________________________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This brings up the point that our shipping costs might be too high.

Speaker B uses the phrase to provide a logical reason for the problem mentioned by Speaker A.

Match the 'point' being brought up to the 'situation'. situation_matching B2

Situation: A discussion about rising global temperatures.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This brings up the point of renewable energy investment.

Renewable energy is a logical 'point' to bring up in a discussion about global temperatures.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

Yes! 'That' is actually more common if you are referring to something someone else just said. 'This' is better if you are referring to a general situation or something you just said.

Absolutely. It's a fantastic transition for academic writing to connect two related arguments.

'Speaking of which' is informal and can be used for very loose connections. 'This brings up the point' implies a stronger, more logical link.

It's a polite way to interrupt, but wait for a small pause. Say, 'Sorry to interrupt, but this brings up a crucial point...'

Related Phrases

🔗

This raises the question

similar

To introduce a problem or inquiry.

🔄

Speaking of which

synonym

A casual transition based on the current topic.

🔗

On that note

similar

Transitioning based on the tone or topic of the previous statement.

🔗

To get to the point

builds on

To stop talking about details and say the most important thing.

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