point out

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   To draw attention to a fact or detail, especially one someone may have missed.

   Grammar: Often followed by that: point out that the shop is closed; or by an object.

   Patterns

   • point something out
   • point out that something
   • point something out to someone

   She pointed out that the deadline had passed.

   I should point out that the bus is late.

   He pointed out the error to his manager.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   To show someone something by pointing with a finger or object.

   Grammar: Literal use: the object can come before or after out.

   Patterns

   • point someone out
   • point out something to someone

   The guide pointed out the castle on the hill.

   Can you point out your sister in the photo?

   She pointed him out in the crowd.

Word forms

Common combinations

point out a mistake

A reader pointed out a mistake in the article.

point out that

He pointed out that it was raining.

quickly point out

I quickly pointed out the risk.

point out the difference

She pointed out the difference between the two designs.

politely point out

He politely pointed out the error.

Synonyms and how they differ

indicate

Is more formal and often means to show by signs, while point out suggests explicit mention.

mention

Means to say something briefly, without the sense of drawing attention to a missed detail.

highlight

Emphasizes making something stand out as important.

remind

Implies the person once knew the thing, which point out does not.

Opposites

Word family

pointer noun

a piece of advice or a hint

pointed adjective

directly critical, or sharp at the end

pointedly adverb

in a way that clearly draws attention

Commonly confused: point out or point to?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “point out”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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