point out
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Literalmente: to direct a finger toward the outside
Use `point out` to highlight a specific detail or fact that others might have overlooked.
En 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.
Ejemplos clave
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
The phrase reflects the Western communication style of 'low-context' culture, where being explicit and highlighting specific facts is preferred over hinting. It became a staple of professional English during the industrial and information ages to ensure accuracy in technical discussions.
The Pronoun Rule
Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle. Say 'point it out,' not 'point out it.' It makes you sound much more natural!
Don't be a 'Know-it-all'
If you point out every single mistake someone makes, you might annoy them. Use it sparingly in social situations!
En 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 Pronoun Rule
Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle. Say 'point it out,' not 'point out it.' It makes you sound much more natural!
Don't be a 'Know-it-all'
If you point out every single mistake someone makes, you might annoy them. Use it sparingly in social situations!
The Polite Intro
In English culture, we often say 'I'd like to point out...' to make a correction sound softer and less aggressive.
Ejemplos
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.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
If you see a mistake in the bill, you should ___ it out to the waiter.
The phrase `point out` is the standard collocation for drawing attention to a specific detail like a mistake.
Identify the correct word order for the pronoun.
That is a great detail! Thank you for pointing ___.
When using a pronoun like 'it' with `point out`, the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Point Out'
Used with friends for small things.
Point out that bird!
The most common way to use it.
He pointed out the error.
Polite academic or business use.
I must point out a discrepancy.
Where to use 'Point Out'
At Work
Pointing out a typo in a slide.
On a Date
Pointing out a cute dog in the park.
In Class
Pointing out a fact in a textbook.
Traveling
Pointing out a landmark on a map.
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt means to draw someone's attention to a specific fact or detail. For example, She pointed out the exit.
Yes! Point at is physical (using your finger). Point out is about sharing information or facts.
Absolutely. It is very common in academic writing to say The author points out that... to highlight an argument.
It depends on your tone. If you are helping, it is kind. If you are highlighting someone's failure, it can be seen as rude.
Yes, you can point something out to someone. For example, I pointed out the mistake to my boss.
You can use indicate, show, or highlight depending on the situation.
You follow it with a full sentence. He pointed out that the store was closed.
Yes, like pointing out a star in the sky or pointing out a building.
The past tense is pointed out. It is a regular verb.
Yes, it is very common. You might text, Just wanted to point out we're meeting at 6, not 7!
No, that is a common error. Always say point it out.
Close, but point out is more specific. Mention is just saying something, while point out is drawing focus to it.
Frases relacionadas
bring up
To introduce a topic into a conversation.
call attention to
To make people notice something specifically.
draw attention to
To attract focus toward a particular detail.
highlight
To emphasize or make something stand out.
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