A1 noun Neutral #188 most common

point

/pɔɪnt/

A point is a specific place, position, or a single idea in a discussion. It can also refer to the sharp end of an object or a unit used for scoring in a game.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The pencil has a very sharp point.

The pencil has a very sharp tip.

2

The professor made an excellent point about climate change.

The professor shared a very good idea regarding climate change.

3

I don't really see the point of going to the party.

I don't understand the reason or purpose of going to the party.

Word Family

Noun
point
Verb
point
Adverb
pointedly
Adjective
pointed
Related
pointer
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Memory Tip

Think of the point of a needle; it is small, specific, and gets your attention immediately, just like the main point of a story.

Quick Quiz

What is the ______ of this meeting if nobody is listening?

Correct!

The correct answer is: point

Examples

1

The pencil has a very sharp point.

everyday

The pencil has a very sharp tip.

2

The professor made an excellent point about climate change.

formal

The professor shared a very good idea regarding climate change.

3

I don't really see the point of going to the party.

informal

I don't understand the reason or purpose of going to the party.

4

At this point in the research, the data remains inconclusive.

academic

At this specific stage of the study, the results are not clear.

5

Please get straight to the point during the presentation.

business

Please talk about the most important information immediately during the presentation.

Word Family

Noun
point
Verb
point
Adverb
pointedly
Adjective
pointed
Related
pointer

Common Collocations

main point the most important idea
starting point the place or time where something begins
turning point a time when a decisive change happens
boiling point the temperature at which a liquid turns to gas
focal point the center of interest or activity

Common Phrases

to the point

relevant and direct

beside the point

irrelevant to the subject

up to a point

partly, but not completely

Often Confused With

point vs tip

A tip is specifically the very end of something long, while a point can be an idea or a location.

point vs spot

A spot is a small round area or a location, whereas a point often refers to a logical idea or a sharp end.

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Usage Notes

Use 'point' when discussing the specific goal or meaning of an action. It is also the standard word for units in sports scoring.

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Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'point' when they should use 'dot' for an email address (e.g., they say 'example point com' instead of 'example dot com').

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Memory Tip

Think of the point of a needle; it is small, specific, and gets your attention immediately, just like the main point of a story.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'punctum', which means a small hole or a prick made by a sharp instrument.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one point, two points Often used with the preposition 'at' (e.g., at this point) Can be followed by 'of' + noun/gerund (e.g., the point of the story)
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, 'getting straight to the point' is valued in business to save time.

Quick Quiz

What is the ______ of this meeting if nobody is listening?

Correct!

The correct answer is: point

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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