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."
separable
point out
A2 neutral separable transitive
To direct someone's attention to a fact, error, or feature, either verbally or physically
In plain English
To show or tell someone about something they may not have noticed
What does "point out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To extend one's finger outward to indicate something
Actually means
To show or tell someone about something they may not have noticed
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "point out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mistake error fact problem difference feature irony
How to conjugate "point out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "point out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "point out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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