Phrasal verb
point sth out
Definition
phrasal verb. to tell someone a fact or show them something so they notice it.
phrasal verb. to draw attention to a specific fact, detail, or physical object, often to clarify a situation or correct an oversight.
Examples
“I must point out that the train is late.”
“During the meeting, she pointed out several errors in the budget report that everyone else had missed.”
“The architect was quick to point out that the structural integrity of the building depended entirely on the reinforced steel beams.”
Examples
simple
“I must point out that the train is late.”
contextual
“During the meeting, she pointed out several errors in the budget report that everyone else had missed.”
complex
“The architect was quick to point out that the structural integrity of the building depended entirely on the reinforced steel beams.”
Usage
can be followed by a noun object or a 'that' clause.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'show' (more visual) and 'mention' (more general); 'point out' implies the information was already there but needed highlighting.
Pitfall
He pointed out me the mistake.
He pointed the mistake out to me.
if you include the person being told, you must use the preposition 'to' after the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
point + object + out