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Point out meaning

Point out means to tell someone a fact so they notice it. It can also mean to show someone where a person or thing is, often with your finger.

Check yourself: 3 questions

point something out

point out · pointed · pointing

B1Separable+1 more meaning

My teacher pointed out three mistakes in my essay.

Point out meanings and examples

2 meanings, each with its own CEFR level. A level marked ~ is our estimate: Oxford and Cambridge give none for that meaning.

  1. 1tell someone a fact so they notice it
  2. 2show someone where a person or thing is, often with your finger
  1. 1

    Tell someone a fact so they notice it

    point something out

    B1Separable

    • My teacher pointed out three mistakes in my essay.
    • Thanks for pointing that out. I didn’t see it.
    • She pointed out that the shop closes early on Sundays.
  2. 2

    Show someone where a person or thing is, often with your finger

    point somebody or something out

    B1Separable

    • The guide pointed out the old castle on the hill.
    • Can you point your brother out to me?
    • He pointed out his house as we drove past.
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Is point out separable?

Point out is separable: point out the problem, point the problem out. With a pronoun, it goes in the middle: point it out. A that clause always comes after: She pointed out that it was late.

To say who you tell, add to after the object: He pointed out the error to me. Do not say pointed me out the error.

Verb tenses for point out

PresentI point out · she points out
Pastpointed out
Present perfecthave pointed out
-ing formpointing out

Common mistakes with point out

What learners often say, and what to say instead.

  • Wrong: She pointed me out that the door was open.

    Right: She pointed out to me that the door was open.

    The listener goes after to, not in the middle.

  • Wrong: Thank you for pointing out it.

    Right: Thank you for pointing it out.

    A pronoun goes between point and out.

  • Wrong: He pointed out about the mistake.

    Right: He pointed out the mistake.

    No about. The thing comes straight after point out.

Synonyms and opposites of point out

Words close to it, and words that mean the opposite.

Similar

  • mentionsay something briefly; point out stresses making someone notice
  • highlightmake something look important; often in reports
  • point atonly the finger action, with no words

Opposite

  • overlooknot notice something or ignore it
  • gloss overtalk quickly about a problem so people do not notice it

Point out quiz

Three quick questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why.

  1. 1My friend ___ that I had my T-shirt on inside out.

  2. 2Choose the right sentence.

  3. 3In a meeting your boss says, “As Ana pointed out, we need more time.” What did Ana do?

Find your level

The phrasal verbs test adapts as you answer, from A2 to C1, and shows which ones you miss.

Test yourself on point outTake the full test

Point out FAQ

Questions people ask about point out.

Is point out formal?

It is neutral and very common at work and in writing. It is polite: I’d like to point out that the deadline is Friday.

Point out vs point at: what is the difference?

Point at is only the action of the finger. Point out means help someone notice something, with words or a gesture.

Is point out followed by that?

Often, yes. He pointed out that the price was wrong. You can also use a noun: He pointed out the wrong price.

Use point out in real conversations

In Slova you learn new words with picture cards, then use them when you talk about the things you love. A few minutes a day, at your level.

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