Phrasal Verb: Point out

Point out is a team. The first part is the verb point. The second part is the word out. Together, they have a new meaning: "to make someone notice something." This is a "separable" phrasal verb. This means you have choices. You can put the object after the whole verb. Or, you can put the object in the middle. For example, you can say point out the error. You can also say point the error out. Both are 100% correct! However, if you use a small word like it or them, you must put it in the middle. You say point it out. Never say point out it. That sounds like a glitch in the matrix to native speakers. Even the best learners forget this sometimes, so keep an eye on it!

1. 1Creating a sentence with point out is easy if you follow these steps:
2. 2Choose your subject (like I, You, The teacher).
3. 3Pick your tense. Use point for now, pointed for the past, or pointing for right now.
4. 4Add the word out immediately or after the object.
5. 5Add the thing you are showing (the object).
6. 6Example: I (Subject) + pointed (Verb) + out (Particle) + the house (Object).
7. 7If you use a pronoun: I + pointed + it + out.

Use point out when you are being helpful or sharing a fact.

• Ordering Food: Use it to show a mistake on the bill. "I need to point out that I didn't order this soda."
• Job Interviews: Use it to highlight your skills. "I want to point out my experience with sales."
• Asking Directions: Use it when someone shows you a map. "Can you point out the subway station?"
• In Class: Use it when you find an interesting fact. "The student pointed out a typo in the book."

It is perfect for facts, details, and corrections. It’s like saying, "Hey, look at this important thing!"

Do not use point out if you are only using your finger without speaking. If you just point at a dog in the park, use point at. Point out usually involves an explanation or a fact. Also, do not use it for long, complicated stories. If you need to talk for ten minutes about a topic, use explain. Point out is for quick facts or specific details. It’s a laser pointer, not a whole movie projector.

The biggest mistake is the "it" rule.

✗ Please point out it.

✓ Please point it out.

Another mistake is using the wrong preposition.

✗ I pointed out to the house.

✓ I pointed out the house.

You don't need to unless you are talking to a person.

✓ I pointed out the house to my friend.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are in a rush, so don't be too hard on yourself!

Let's compare point out with other similar verbs:

• Point at: This is physical. You use your finger to show a direction. "I point at the bird."
• Point out: This is about information. "I point out that the bird is rare."
• Show: This is very general. "Show me your passport."
• Mention: This is just saying something. Point out is stronger; it means you want them to really notice it.

Think of show as a big flashlight and point out as a small, bright laser.