What is point? Pronunciation and usage in English

point means . Learn how to pronounce and use point through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of point

pointnoun/verb

/pɔɪnt/
Definition & pronunciation of point

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "point" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /pɔɪnt/ (like "boy" + "int")

Let's break that down further:

  1. "Po": Say "po" as in the word "pop". The vowel sound here is a short "o."

  2. "Int": This is the tricky part. It's a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds blending together. It sounds like a very quick glide from a brief "ih" sound (like in "bit") to an "nt" sound. Think of it as saying "eye" but quickly followed by "ent."

Here's how to practice:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce point English" – you'll find plenty of audio examples. Here are some useful links:

  • Break it down: Practice saying "po" and then quickly blending in the "ih-nt" sound.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "point" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • "poynt": (pronounced like the British spelling) This is a common mistake, but it's not the standard American pronunciation.
  • Saying it like "paint": This is a frequent error.

To reiterate - aim for /pɔɪnt/ (like "boy" + "int")

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more practice words with similar vowel sounds?
  • Describe the mouth and tongue movements involved in the pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word point in English

Let's break down how to use the word "point" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (a thing):

  • A Sharp Tip: This is the most common understanding.
    • "He sharpened the pencil to a point."
    • "The pen’s point slipped."
  • A Location or Direction:
    • "Let’s point towards the mountains."
    • "Turn left at the point where the road splits."
  • A Topic or Subject: (Referring to something being discussed)
    • "Let's point to the key evidence."
    • "Her lecture pointed to the need for reform."
  • A Score or Scoreboard: (Sports)
    • "The team is currently pointing 25 to 20."
  • A Marker or Signal: (Sometimes used figuratively)
    • "The protestors were trying to point out the injustice."

2. As a Verb (an action):

  • To Indicate or Direct: (Most common usage)
    • "He pointed to the map." (He showed the map)
    • "She pointed out the error in my work." (She drew attention to it)
  • To Show or Demonstrate:
    • "The teacher pointed out the main clause in the sentence."
    • "The guide pointed us to a hidden waterfall."
  • To Assign (a value or score): (Often in games or competitions)
    • "The referee pointed him for a foul." (He gave him a penalty)
  • To Suggest or Imply: (Figurative)
    • "His silence pointed to his disagreement." (His silence suggested he disagreed)
    • "The weather pointed to a storm." (The weather indicated a storm was coming)
  • To Aim (a weapon):
    • "He pointed the gun at the target."

3. Phrases Using “Point”

  • "Hit the nail on the head": To state something exactly right; to identify the crucial point. "You hit the nail on the head with that observation!"
  • "Bring to a point": To clarify or summarize. “Let’s bring this to a point – what are we actually trying to achieve?”
  • "Get to the point": To stop rambling and state the important information directly. "Could you get to the point?"
  • "Point at": To indicate or direct with a finger.
  • "Point out": To draw attention to something, explain.
  • "Point for": To argue in favor of. “He pointed for his innocence.”
  • "Point against": To argue against. “She pointed against the proposed project.”

4. Figurative Uses:

“Point” is frequently used metaphorically to represent an idea, quality, or state.

  • “A point of contention”: A disagreement.
  • “A point of interest”: Something important or curious.
  • “At a certain point”: At a specific time or stage.

Tips for Choosing the Right “Point”

  • Context is Key: The surrounding words will usually make it clear whether “point” is being used as a noun or a verb.
  • Think about what’s being “pointed” at: Is it a physical object, a location, a topic, or a quality?

Resources for Further Study:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "point" in? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, learning grammar)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word point

Idioms of the word point

belabour the point
(formal)to repeat an idea, argument, etc. many times to emphasize it, especially when it has already been mentioned or understood
  • I don’t want to belabour the point, but it’s vital you understand how important this is.
a case in point
a clear example of the problem, situation, etc. that is being discussed
  • Many professions feel they deserve higher pay, and nurses are a case in point.
the finer points of something
the more complicated or detailed aspects of something
  • She seems at ease discussing the finer points of foreign policy.
  • He learnt the finer points of cricket during a trip to London.
if/when it comes to the point
used when you have to decide something or say what you really think
  • When it comes to the point, he always changes his mind.
in point of fact
used to say what is true in a situation
  • In point of fact, she is their adopted daughter.
labour the point
to continue to repeat or explain something that has already been said and understood
  • I understand what you’re saying—there’s no need to labour the point.
make a point of doing something
to be or make sure you do something because it is important or necessary
  • I made a point of closing all the windows before leaving the house.
a moot point/question
(British English, North American English)a matter about which there may be difference of opinion or a lack of understanding
  • Whether this should be enforced by law or not is a moot point.
more to the point
used to say that something is more important than something else
  • I couldn't do the job—I've never been to Spain and, more to the point, I don't speak Spanish.
  • More to the point, did they get away?
not to put too fine a point on it
used to emphasize something that is expressed clearly and directly, especially a criticism
  • Not to put too fine a point on it, I think you are lying.
on point
appropriate or relevant to the situation
  • The quotation was directly on point.
  • Let's stay on point.
  • None of the replies was on point.
(informal)perfect; exactly right for the occasion
  • The music here is totally on point.
on the point of doing something
to be close to doing something; to be going to do something very soon
  • I was just on the point of calling you.
  • We were on the point of giving up.
point of contact
a place where you go or a person that you speak to when you are dealing with an organization
  • The receptionist is the first point of contact most people have with the clinic.
a point of departure
a place where a journey starts
    (formal)an idea, a theory or an event that is used to start a discussion, an activity, etc.
    • The author takes Freud's dream theories as the point of departure for his essay.
    a point of honour
    a thing that somebody considers to be very important for their honour or reputation
      the point of no return
      the time when you must continue with what you have decided to do, because it is not possible to get back to an earlier situation
      • We have passed the point of no return.
      point taken
      used to say that you accept that somebody else is right when they have disagreed with you or criticized you
      • Point taken. Let's drop the subject.
      score a point/points (off/against/over somebody)
      to show that you are better than somebody, especially by making clever remarks, for example in an argument
      • He was always trying to score points off his teachers.
      a sore point
      a subject that makes you feel angry or upset when it is mentioned
      • It's a sore point with Sue's parents that the children have not been baptized yet.
      stretch a point
      to allow or do something that is not usually acceptable, especially because of a particular situation
      • I was hoping they would stretch a point and let me stay on for a while.
      to the point
      expressed in a simple, clear way without any extra information or feelings
      • The letter was short and to the point.
      to the point of (doing) something
      to a degree that can be described as something
      • He was rude to the point of being aggressive.
      up to a (certain) point
      to some extent; to some degree but not completely
      • I agree with you up to a point.

      Practice with vocabulary point

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks (4 sentences)

      1. The main ______ of his argument was that immediate action is necessary to address the climate crisis.
      2. Could you ______ to the exact location on the map where the incident occurred?
      3. The committee will discuss various ______ of the new proposal during the upcoming meeting.
      4. He always maintains a positive ______ even when faced with significant challenges.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (5 questions — there may be multiple correct answers per question)

      1. At this crucial ______, we must decide whether to proceed with the project or halt operations. a) stage b) moment c) point d) phase
      2. His presentation was concise and straight to the ______, making it very effective. a) fact b) point c) matter d) core
      3. What's the ______ of continuing this discussion if we can't agree on basic principles? a) purpose b) benefit c) point d) reason
      4. The team carefully considered every ______ of the new policy before its implementation. a) aspect b) detail c) feature d) facet
      5. We need to identify the root ______ of the problem to prevent its recurrence in the future. a) cause b) origin c) source d) factor

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences (3 questions)

      1. Original: It's important to clarify your central argument. Rewrite using "point":
      2. Original: This moment in time is critical for making strategic decisions. Rewrite using "point":
      3. Original: He always identifies the core issues in any complex situation. Rewrite WITHOUT using "point":

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. point
      2. point
      3. aspects
      4. outlook

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. a) stage, b) moment, c) point, d) phase
      2. b) point
      3. a) purpose, c) point, d) reason
      4. a) aspect, b) detail, c) feature, d) facet
      5. a) cause, b) origin, c) source, d) factor

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. You need to make your main point clear.
      2. At this critical point, strategic decisions must be made.
      3. He always identifies the core elements in any complex situation.

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