SpeakUp

Grammar fix

point out

draw attention to information

to tell someone about something so they notice it or understand it better.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She pointed out a mistake in my essay before I handed it in.communication
  • In my opinion, it’s important to point out the benefits of recycling when discussing environmental issues.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: point out + noun / point out + that-clause

WrongShe pointed out me my mistake.

RightShe pointed out my mistake. / She pointed my mistake out to me.

'Point out' takes the thing noticed; the person needs 'to' ('point it out to me').

Patternpoint out + noun / point out + that-clause

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Allow me to draw your attention to an important fact.

Natural I should point out that the deadline's moved.

'Point out' is how people flag a fact in conversation; 'allow me to draw your attention to' is speech-day formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • point out + fact
    that...a mistakethe risksa problem

Don't confuse it

'Point' can mean to show direction with your finger, but 'point out' means to mention or explain something important.

Try it in Daily Speak →