This expression draws someone’s attention to a fact or detail.

The idea

In neutral everyday English, put a noun after point out or between the words; a pronoun goes between them: point it out. You can also use point out that before a clause.

Examples

  • The guide pointed out a bird in the tree.
  • I pointed the error out to my colleague.
  • Can you point it out on the map?
  • She pointed out that the shop was closed.
  • We pointed out the missing page.
  • He politely points out mistakes in the report.

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Watch out

Do not say point out it: the object pronoun must come before out. A person is introduced by to, as in point it out to me.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. Please point ___ the difference. (out / off)

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    out

    out completes the expression for drawing attention.

  2. Choose the correct option. There is a mistake; point ___. (it out / out it)

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    it out

    it out puts the pronoun between the verb and particle.

  3. Choose the correct option. They pointed out ___ the train was late. (that / than)

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    that

    that introduces the fact about the train.

Use it today

Point out a detail in a room and explain why it matters.