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point out

A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To show or tell someone about something they may not have noticed

Literal meaning: To extend one's finger outward to indicate something

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To direct someone's attention to something by saying or showing where it is

"The tour guide pointed out several important landmarks as the bus drove through the city center."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To tell someone about a fact, error, or problem that they have not noticed

"I hate to point out that you've been spelling the client's name wrong in every email this week."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 formal

To state a fact or make an observation in order to support an argument or correct a misunderstanding

"The lawyer was quick to point out that no evidence linked her client to the scene."

"It is worth pointing out that the figures used in this report have not been independently verified."

— Common formulation in academic and journalistic writing; widely attested
Grammar: separable
Usage notes

One of the most common and useful phrasal verbs in English. Used in both spoken and written English at all levels of formality. Can be followed by a noun ('point out a mistake') or a clause ('point out that something is wrong'). Essential for academic and professional communication.

Commonly used with

mistake error fact problem difference feature irony

Forms

Base
point out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
points out
he/she/it
Past simple
pointed out
yesterday
Past participle
pointed out
have + pp
-ing form
pointing out
continuous

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