Em 15 segundos
- Direct someone's attention to a specific fact or detail.
- Works for both physical objects and abstract ideas.
- Use it to be helpful or clarify a situation.
Significado
To 'point out' means to direct someone's attention to a specific fact, detail, or person that they might have missed.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Correcting a friend's mistake
I hate to point out the obvious, but your shirt is inside out.
I hate to point out the obvious, but your shirt is inside out.
In a business meeting
She pointed out that the budget was already over the limit.
She pointed out that the budget was already over the limit.
Texting about a plan
Thanks for pointing that out! I totally forgot it was a holiday.
Thanks for pointing that out! I totally forgot it was a holiday.
Contexto cultural
In American business culture, pointing out a mistake is seen as being 'proactive' and 'detail-oriented.' It is generally encouraged at all levels of a company. British speakers often use 'softeners' like 'I hate to point this out' or 'If I may point out' to avoid sounding too direct or rude. Pointing out a mistake publicly is often avoided to save 'face.' It is better to use indirect language or discuss it privately. Directness is valued. Pointing out an error is seen as a sign of respect for the work and the truth, rather than a personal attack.
The 'That' Shortcut
If you aren't sure how to use it, just use 'point out that' followed by a full sentence. It's the safest and most common way.
Pronoun Trap
Never say 'point out it.' It's a very common mistake that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Em 15 segundos
- Direct someone's attention to a specific fact or detail.
- Works for both physical objects and abstract ideas.
- Use it to be helpful or clarify a situation.
What It Means
Think of point out as using your finger to show someone a hidden treasure. It is not just about physical pointing. It is about making a fact or a detail visible in a conversation. You are basically saying, "Hey, look at this!"
How To Use It
You can use it with an object or a clause. You might point out a mistake in a report. Or you can point out that the bus is late. It is a separable phrasal verb. You can say point it out but never point out it. That is a classic trap! Keep the pronoun in the middle to sound like a pro.
When To Use It
Use it when you are being helpful. It works great in meetings when you see a detail others missed. Use it when giving directions or explaining a map. It is perfect for those "I told you so" moments with friends. Just be careful not to sound too smug about it!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are just 'saying' something general. If you are expressing a deep feeling, point out feels too cold. Avoid it if you are physically pointing at a person rudely. In that case, just use point at. Point out is for information, not for being a finger-pointing bully.
Cultural Background
English speakers value clarity and directness. We use point out to keep everyone on the same page. It started from the literal act of pointing at things in the physical world. Now, it is the go-to phrase for highlighting facts in our digital, data-driven lives. It is the verbal equivalent of a highlighter pen.
Common Variations
If you want to sound fancy, use highlight or indicate. In casual chats, you might just say show. You will often hear people say, "I'd like to point out that..." before they give an opinion. It makes the opinion sound more like a solid fact. It is a clever little trick for winning arguments!
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and fits almost any context. Just remember the 'pronoun-in-the-middle' rule for objects like 'it' or 'them'.
The 'That' Shortcut
If you aren't sure how to use it, just use 'point out that' followed by a full sentence. It's the safest and most common way.
Pronoun Trap
Never say 'point out it.' It's a very common mistake that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Softening the Blow
If you're correcting a boss, start with 'May I point out...' to sound respectful.
Writing Reports
Use 'As pointed out previously...' to refer back to information you already mentioned.
Exemplos
6I hate to point out the obvious, but your shirt is inside out.
I hate to point out the obvious, but your shirt is inside out.
Used here to highlight a funny physical detail.
She pointed out that the budget was already over the limit.
She pointed out that the budget was already over the limit.
A professional way to bring up a serious fact.
Thanks for pointing that out! I totally forgot it was a holiday.
Thanks for pointing that out! I totally forgot it was a holiday.
Expressing gratitude for a helpful reminder.
He kept pointing out all my past mistakes.
He kept pointing out all my past mistakes.
Shows how the phrase can be used negatively to criticize.
The waiter pointed out the chef's specials on the board.
The waiter pointed out the chef's specials on the board.
A common service-industry usage.
I'd like to point out the growth shown in this chart.
I'd like to point out the growth shown in this chart.
Formal way to direct the audience's attention.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'point out'. Remember the pronoun rule!
I saw the mistake in the contract and I immediately ______ ______ to my boss.
Because 'it' is a pronoun, it must go between 'pointed' and 'out'.
Which sentence uses 'point out' correctly in a figurative sense?
Choose the best option:
'Point out that...' is the standard way to introduce a fact.
Match the 'point out' sentence to the correct situation.
1. 'I'd like to point out a flaw in your logic.' 2. 'Can you point out the suspect?' 3. 'He pointed out the constellations.'
Logic belongs to a debate, suspects to a lineup, and constellations to stargazing.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I think we should buy this car. It's cheap! B: True, but I should ______ ______ that the engine makes a weird noise.
B is mentioning a fact that A might have missed.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosI saw the mistake in the contract and I immediately ______ ______ to my boss.
Because 'it' is a pronoun, it must go between 'pointed' and 'out'.
Choose the best option:
'Point out that...' is the standard way to introduce a fact.
1. 'I'd like to point out a flaw in your logic.' 2. 'Can you point out the suspect?' 3. 'He pointed out the constellations.'
Logic belongs to a debate, suspects to a lineup, and constellations to stargazing.
A: I think we should buy this car. It's cheap! B: True, but I should ______ ______ that the engine makes a weird noise.
B is mentioning a fact that A might have missed.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot usually. It is neutral. However, pointing out someone's personal flaws can be rude. Pointing out facts is helpful.
Yes. 'I pointed out the error to him' is perfect.
'Show' is general. 'Point out' implies that the thing was hidden or not noticed before.
Yes, literally: 'Point out your sister in the crowd.'
It is 'pointed out.' The 'ed' goes on the verb 'point.'
Yes, it is very common in academic writing to introduce evidence.
Similar, but 'point out' is more focused on directing attention to a specific fact.
No. Say 'Point out the way to me' or 'Show me the way.'
It is neutral. It works in both a business email and a text message.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'ignore' or 'overlook' are the results of NOT pointing something out.
Frases relacionadas
bring up
similarTo introduce a topic for discussion.
point to
similarTo suggest that something is the cause of a situation.
call out
contrastTo criticize someone for their behavior.
spell out
builds onTo explain something in great detail.
remind
similarTo make someone remember something.
